MBE honour for Shropshire hospice volunteer Kathleen, 91

Mrs Hartshorne received the honour for her services to her home community of Pontesbury.

After collecting her award from Prince William, she said: "I am quite overwhelmed.

"I never thought that something like this would happen to me at my age. I am 91 and could not believe this would happen at my time of life.

"I love what I do. It came as a huge surprise when I first heard - a huge shock."

Mrs Hartshorne, of Shrewsbury Road, has been deeply committed to the work of the Severn Hospice as a volunteer since it opened in 1989.

She has worked continuously since then, supporting patients in the day unit in Shrewsbury.

She has also played the piano at every service since the hospice opened.

Heather Palin, deputy chief executive and director of care at Severn Hospice, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kathleen has received such recognition for her work with us and the local community.

"Kathleen has been one of our longest serving volunteers having joined the hospice the year after we first opened, she has now retired after 26 years of volunteering at our hospice.

“It is fitting Kathleen receives her award during Hospice Care Week, which celebrates all the different elements that need to come together for hospices to provide their care.

"Volunteers play a vital role at Severn Hospice as without their generous support we simply would not be able to care for the growing number of local people who need our help.

“On behalf of everyone at Severn Hospice I’m delighted to add my congratulations to Kathleen and to thank her again for the difference she has made not just to our hospice but to the wider community.”

She has been a member of Pontesbury Congregational Church since the age of 12, has run the Sunday school, helps cater for the chapel and is the first to volunteer for any pastoral support.

Mrs Hartshorne also gave 35 years of service running the village hall and has only recently retired from the committee.