Dr Kate Kenyon, the founder of Kingston-based charity RBKares, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2023 New Year Honours List; the first issued by King Charles III.

The retired hospital doctor, who has lived in Kingston for over 35 years, was given the royal seal of approval for her services to the Kingston community, particularly her work supporting people during Covid-19. Dr Kenyon has become one of just 305 recipients across the UK to receive the Medal of the Order of the British Empire.

Speaking of her BEM recognition, the RBKares founder said: "Receiving this award is an incredible honour and the most wonderful surprise! After 24 years working as a doctor, I never expected retirement to be so rewarding. The last few years have given me the opportunity to meet, work with, and help so many inspiring people across the borough, and I'm just grateful to have been in a position to give something back to the community I love."

Dr Kate Kenyon in action for RBKares. (Credit: RBKares)

Kate was prompted to co-found volunteer groups Sewing4Kingston and later RBKares to support frontline NHS staff during the pandemic. Her decision to galvanise keen sewers across the borough during the Coronavirus crisis struck a chord, with the group attracting 1,000 members in the first two and a half weeks alone.

The creative team of volunteers quickly set to work making essential gear for hospital and care home workers, from scrubs and laundry bags to fabric face coverings and hair scrunchies.

Having witnessed the toll the pandemic was taking on the health of hard working NHS staff across the borough, RBKares was devised to show that the 'Royal Borough of Kingston Cares', providing support packages and gifts to convey the community's gratitude. For many volunteers, particularly those who were shielding, the sewing initiative provided a valuable way for them to find a way of helping society while feeling less isolated during this unprecedented time.

Since then, RBKares's campaigns continue to harness the kindness in the community but have evolved to encompass wider wellbeing support for vulnerable people in the borough. Kate's collaborative approach continues to bring together local charities, schools, residents' associations and councillors, all united by a common goal - to turn goodwill into meaningful action – and RBKares became a registered charity in January 2022.

BEM recipient Dr Kate Kenyon alongside RBKares volunteers. (Credit: RBKares)

Kate added: "When the extent of Covid-19 and the PPE crisis first became apparent, so many of us felt powerless to help. What quickly became clear when we set up Sewing4Kingston was how grateful fellow residents were to have an opportunity to show our fabulous frontline workers how appreciative we were for everything they were doing to keep us safe.

"Since then, the community's generosity - both in terms of time volunteered and donations received - has been genuinely overwhelming. RBKares is all about bringing the local community together to help themselves. And I'm grateful that we've been able to support those in need through our campaigns, while helping give people who want to give something back a practical outlet to do so."

RBKares' events cross cultural boundaries to make all residents feel supported and reach communities with the greatest needs. These activities range from refugee sewing workshops and the creation of 'winter warmer' bags, to monthly Wellbeing Day events that bring together local charities and much-needed services to foodbank clients in her local Norbiton neighbourhood.