Mixing with William and Kate and other royals at an afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace was the crowning glory for Sarah Dale BEM.
Sarah and husband Paul, a mental health specialist, were invited to the garden party in recognition of her award of the British Empire Medal in the King’s first New Year Honours List.
Sarah is Director of Quality and Innovation at East Cheshire Hospice and was honoured for services to palliative and end-of-life care.
Sarah and Paul Dale at Buckingham Palace.
In 2017, she led the setting up of the charity’s Hospice @Home service which has been a great addition to healthcare provision in east Cheshire.
The Macclesfield couple attended the VIP event in the palace gardens a week after Sarah received her medal at Tatton Hall from Lady Redmond MBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire.
Sarah said: “It was quite a surreal experience at Buckingham Palace and a lovely occasion which we really enjoyed.
“We arrived early and wandered round outside with other tourists before police put up barriers explaining there was an event.
“When we said we were invited, we didn’t have to move and were first in queue as the palace gates opened. It was nice to meet representatives from different organisations.”
A proud day … Sarah Dale with parents Chris and Gill Newton.
The garden party – three days after the King’s coronation – was hosted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Princess Royal and was attended by other royals.
Sarah said her honour was as much for the Hospice and her colleagues. She said: “It wasn’t solely for me. I helped implement and plan Hospice @Home but so many people were involved in fundraising, planning and actually delivering the care.
“They’re the real heroes. The nursing staff inside and outside the Hospice need special acknowledgement for doing such an amazing job.
“The work done to launch the service and extend our reach out into the community was behind the nomination which was made by our ambassadors.”
Sarah Dale with her BEM award. From left, Sarah, Lord Lieutenant Lady Redmond MBE, daughter Kayleigh, father Chris and mum Gill.
The Tatton presentation was attended by Hospice Chief Executive Karyn Johnston and Sarah’s parents Chris and Gill Newton, both Hospice volunteers. Chris is a chaplain and Gill helps with flowers.
Chris’ mother Gladys (96) died in the Hospice two years ago. Sarah said: “Our whole family is really invested in giving back for what the Hospice did for nan. She got the best care and was treated like a queen when she came in, like everyone else is.”
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