Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union receives King’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Derry and Raphoe Mothers’ Union has been awarded a King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), one of 250 groups recognised across the United Kingdom.

Mrs Kaye Nesbitt, Diocesan President of the Union, said the accolade was “gratifying and humbling”, noting the citation praised the group for “supporting those facing adversity in family life and advocating for social justice”.

She highlighted the Union’s long‑standing work, including campaigns against gender‑based violence and domestic abuse, provision of hospital packs, trauma teddy bears for children and thousands of knitted garments for neonatal care.

Bishop Rev Andrew Forster of Derry and Raphoe congratulated the members, describing the award as “hard‑earned and richly deserved” and calling the Union “the heartbeat, the backbone and the ‘stone in the shoe’” of parish life.

All‑Ireland President of the Mothers’ Union, Kay Clarke, called the honour a “towering achievement”, adding that the Union’s work has a “positive impact in our communities – especially on the lives of women and children”.

The award marks the highest recognition available to local voluntary groups in the UK and celebrates the Union’s contributions both locally and worldwide.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: 🇻🇳🇻🇳Nguyễn Tiến Thịnh 🇻🇳🇻🇳 / Pexels.