A RYEDALE woman has attended Kensington Palace to receive her MBE award for services to charity and the community, presented by Prince William.

Former district nurse, June Cook, from Kirkbymoorside, is said to have given 'selfless commitment' to her local community, especially to the Marie Curie Fundraising Group which she helped found more than 18 years ago.

Today, under the stewardship of June, the Kirkbymoorside Fundraising Group boasts 12 committee members and around 14 volunteers.

June, chairperson of the Kirkbymoorside Fundraising Group, said: “It was a real honour to receive this award from Prince William who was so easy to talk to, down to earth and genuinely interested to learn of my charity endeavours. The atmosphere at the Palace was electric and it is a day I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Commenting about her passion for Marie Curie, June added: “Throughout my nursing career, I always had the utmost respect and admiration for Marie Curie nurses who provide unrivalled care to people with terminal illnesses. I’m a firm believer that patients are given the opportunity to be cared for in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by family and friends. Our fundraising efforts can make a real difference - quite literally allowing people to fulfil their dying wish to remain at home."

Jennifer Carmichael, Marie Curie community fundraiser, said: “We’re delighted that June has been recognised for her outstanding commitment and dedication to her local community and we’re eternally grateful for all the hours she puts in to support Marie Curie.

"It’s thanks to people like June that means we can continue to care for people with a terminal illness."

Since the Group launched, it has raised more than £390,000 through a range of activities in addition to hosting street collections during annual campaigns such as the Great Daffodil Appeal.