British Red Cross volunteer from Somerset awarded BEM in Kings Birthday Honours List

A British Red Cross volunteer who has spent almost three decades with the charity has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Christopher Cox, from Langport, Somerset, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

The medal celebrates his work alleviating loneliness in the community and fundraising for the charity’s vital work supporting people in crisis.

Christopher said: “I am thrilled to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours, for my work volunteering at the British Red Cross.

“Loneliness can have a huge impact on people’s mental and physical health. I’m proud to lead a dedicated team, which brings people in the community together to tackle this. We can see the difference it’s making to people’s lives and it’s a privilege to be recognised for it.”

After retiring from teaching, Christopher began his volunteering journey with the British Red Cross by tutoring First Aid - supporting at hundreds of local events.

Christopher went on to run the Langport Centre in the heart of rural Somerset. It is open six days a week, for anyone who might be at risk of experiencing loneliness to drop by and have a cuppa and a chat.

Under Christopher’s leadership, the centre is run entirely by 15 enterprising volunteers, who also organise theatre trips to Bath and Bristol. Their 300th trip took place in February this year.

Remarkably for a town with a population of just 3,500, the centre regularly raises more than £20,000 per year for the British Red Cross, helping to provide vital services for people who have faced some of life’s toughest challenges.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Béatrice Butsana-Sita said: “Christopher is an incredible ambassador for the British Red Cross and a fantastic example of the brilliant staff and volunteers that support our vital work.

“For almost 30 years he has been a huge figure in our Langport service, giving up his time to support people when they need it most.

“I am delighted to see Christopher rewarded for his work with a British Empire Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours list and would like to congratulate him on this amazing achievement.”

ENDS 

British Red Cross 

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders.