Sally Hibberd-Burns, a Carer at Spencer Court in Woodstock, received the Order of Malta Bronze Medal of Merit at the St John’s Day mass at the Brompton Oratory on Friday 23 June. She received her medal for her dedication to her job and for volunteering as a Hairdresser at Spencer Court during the Covid-19 pandemic when Hairdressers were unable to visit.

Sally joined Spencer Court as Carer in September 2010. She had worked as a qualified Hairdresser for many years, but moved into care when a couple of eye operations affected her confidence. Sally chose to work in care as she wanted a people focused role, and found that care was an ideal choice.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when Hairdressers were unable to come into the care home, Sally volunteered her hairdressing services, and this provided an important boost to residents during that difficult time. Sally is now the home’s permanent Hairdresser, and she works for two days a week in its Salon and two days as a carer.

Sally attended the Order of Malta ceremony with her husband Adrian Burns. She said: “I was surprised and overwhelmed to be awarded the medal, for a job that I really love doing. I’m honoured to receive this award and thankful for the wonderful team that I work with at Spencer Court. This medal is also for them.”

Ten OSJCT employees received Order of Malta Medals of Merit in 2023. The Order of Malta is one of OSJCT’s two sponsoring orders.