St John’s Day, on 24 June, is the day each year when the Order of Malta celebrates the anniversary of the birth of their patron saint, and recognises the wonderful work done by so many members, volunteers, employees, and friends involved in caring for those in need.

As well as long service medals, this year, a special recognition – the Campaign Medal – was awarded to those who responded with great commitment to the specific emergencies which were the result of the pandemic. High on the list to receive this recognition were many members of care workers and volunteers from OSJCT homes, offices, and extra care housing schemes.

Long service medals were awarded to: Fiona Elwell, Ewa Cwiklak, Mandy Burrell, Sara McCartney, Bogumil Cwiklak, Dawn Elmore, Chantal Wheatland, Joanna Downing, Robert Black, Wioletta Meler, Nigel Fenton, Brenda Peters, Helen Wolfendale, Heather Edmunds, Alan Crutchfield, Linda Papenfus, Leisa Harry, Susan Print, Glynis Galloway, Steve Ellis, Pat Hemmings, Gill Clark, Ruth Sansom, Tracy Poyser, Vanessa Burrows, and Dan Hayes.

Covid-19 Campaign Medals were awarded to: Louise Kirk, Shelly Smith, Sal Barton, Hayley Reeves, Helen Shepherd, Anna-Marie Fisher, Anna Odeyemi, Johanne Tustin, Kayleigh Cross, Paula Temple, Tara Barber, Gence Mekkunnel, Robin Willmott, Hannah Forsyth, Doreen Paisley, Beverley Wilson, Rebekah Shawsun, Melissa Sanchez, Nicola Scott, Laura Brooks, Catherine Semmence, Julie Quincey, Louise Wright, Deanne Burt, and Vivienne Crowthers.

Campaign Medal recipient Jo, Carer at Henry Cornish Care Centre, said: “I was very honoured to receive the medal and I feel privileged to have my care role which give me the opportunity to care for our lovely residents. The ceremony was extraordinary, they were very welcoming, and they made me feel very proud to be part of OSJCT, I will never forget this experience, this wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of my colleagues and my Manager at Henry Cornish Care Centre. My family attended with me, and they were finally able to understand the impact that our job as in others.”

The Order of Malta salutes the medal winners, a spokesperson said: “It is your work and dedication that contribute so much to the lives and well-being of the residents in the homes.”