The Queen had sent her representative, Dr Ingrid Roscoe, Lord Lieutenant, of West Yorkshire to present the award along with Kevin Sharp, Clerk to the Lord Lieutenant to Peter Parkinson, CEO of Caring For Life and Esther Smith, Senior Pastoral Administrator and co founder of the Trust.

The award was presented with great sincerity and Dr Roscoe expressed how fond she had become of the Trust’s work, as well as revealing how important the work of Caring For Life is becoming to our Patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex.

Peter expressed his sincere thanks to all those who had achieved this award and explained that they are the real “Unsung Heroes” of Caring For Life. He also expressed his thanks to the One who makes things possible and enables us all to do all things. Yet again, Caring For Life was able to witness to all those who attended, beneficiaries of the Trust, volunteers and a number of special guests.

Forty out of more than ninety regular volunteers were present to see the Award given. Due to their commitment and generosity they saw Caring For Life honoured as the only organisation in Leeds and only one of four in West Yorkshire.

After the presentation each volunteer was presented with a commemorative mug marking this special occasion and was introduced to Dr Roscoe. Her warmth was evident as she had a different personal message for each volunteer, thanking and congratulating him or her for their time and efforts.

Also present were the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leeds, both of whom have supported Caring For Life through Wades Trust, a Charitable Trust which has awarded grants towards several of the projects run by Caring For Life. We were also delighted that Mr Tim Hare, High Sheriff of West Yorkshire and his family were able to share in this occasion and to deepen their understanding of this ministry. It was also wonderful for the Lord Mayor of Bradford and her Consort to attend. Counsellor Valerie Biggs was very interested to hear more of Caring For Life. As always we were thrilled that James and Juliet Barker were able to be there, as they have become part of the CFL family over the past year and were instrumental in the Trust receiving this prestigious award.

Whilst the afternoon had various formalities, there was a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere as CFL staff and beneficiaries were able to get to know this large team of volunteers. Each special guest spoke at ease with everyone present and as one person said, “You wouldn’t know that some of us had only just met for the first time!"

The CFL family continues to grow, with many new doors being opened. However, the main focus must be the recognition of a team of people who every day act as a lifeline to those supported by Caring For Life and our busy staff team. They were rewarded for their hard work and selfless giving. For without them, the work of Caring For Life would not be able to continue to support so many hurting and vulnerable people in our city.