A HAMPSHIRE voluntary worker has been honoured by King Charles ahead of his historic coronation at Westminster Abbey tomorrow.
Maria Calway-Kennedy, who helps children and young people in the Fareham area, is one of 500 people across the UK who have been crowned Coronation Champions.
She has received a certificate signed by King Charles and the Queen Consort, who tomorrow becomes Queen Camilla.
Maria, 57, is planning to watch the coronation on television before heading to London to attend the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert, featuring Take That and other top performers.
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The married mother of two knew nothing about her award until she received an email about two weeks ago.
"It was a complete shock. I didn't even know I had been nominated and initially thought it was a scam," she said.
Strict confidentiality rules meant Maria was unable to tell anyone until she received another email giving her the all-clear to share her good news with friends and family.
Organised by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS), the awards scheme resulted in almost 5,000 nominations for people aged 14-103.
An RVS spokesperson said the judges were impressed by Maria's creativity, innovative ideas, and commitment to the charity Y Services For Young People.
"She inspires people to be the best they can. Many staff and volunteers have come to work for the charity because of Maria, whose passion for youth work is infectious and motivating."
Maria said she was thrilled to become a Coronation Champion.
She added: "It’s such an honour to receive one of these special awards from the Royal Voluntary Service - they were actually judged by Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
"I get a lot of satisfaction from helping children and young people so don’t need an award, but it's nice to receive this very special one.
"I was a Queen's Guide and already had the late Queen's signature. Now I've got the King's."
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Catherine Johnstone, chief executive of the RVS, added: "We were completely blown away by the response to the awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward.
"Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended.
"Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history."
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