Celebrating Helen Kingsford Civic Award Success

Saint Francis Hospice is proud to celebrate the achievement of long-standing volunteer Helen Kingsford, who was recognised at the Brentwood Civic Awards on 21 April 2026 with the prestigious Service to the Community Award.

Helen’s dedication to the hospice spans almost 20 years, during which time she has made an extraordinary contribution through her work in the Volunteer Recruitment Hub. Her passion, warmth and commitment have helped shape the experience of countless volunteers, strengthening the hospice community and the care it provides.

Reflecting on the honour, Helen said: “Receiving an award is always a very special moment... for me to have been given the Brentwood Borough Civic Award for Services to the Community… was touching, overwhelming and very unexpected.”

True to her character, Helen was quick to share the recognition with others, adding: “When I collected my certificate, I thought of the hundreds of Saint Francis volunteers, past and present, and accepted it on their behalf too.”

Helen also shared the deep sense of purpose and connection that so many volunteers experience, saying, “Along the way… it is the volunteer themselves that gain so much from giving their time to such a necessary and remarkable charity.”

Helen’s award also marks a poignant moment, as she begins her well-earned retirement from volunteering. Head of Volunteering,

Vicky Miles-Gale, Head of Volunteering, paid tribute to her lasting impact: “Helen is an incredible volunteer… she has supported our team so much and has done for many years so we were eager to have that commitment recognised.”

Vicky added that while Helen never sought recognition, the award reflects the immense difference she has made: “She has been part of the hospice for almost 20 years and she is going to be so missed.”

As Helen steps away from her role, she does so with characteristic humility and gratitude: “I leave thanking the hospice for giving me the opportunities to be part of a wonderful team.”

Vicky and the team are delighted that Helen is starting her retirement as it is so well deserved but they know that she will be sorely missed.  Since Vicky and Charlotte joined SFH 17 months ago, Helen has been a continual source of support, advice and help and they will miss her knowledge as well as her stories and laughter.

Everyone at Saint Francis Hospice extends heartfelt congratulations to Helen on this well-deserved honour and sincere thanks for her years of compassion, dedication and service.