Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer receives MBE

A Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer has received an MBE for her work in the community.

Barbara Cline received the accolade after being included in the New Year’s Honour list in recognition of her seven decades of volunteering and community work.

Barbara said: “I think ‘gobsmacked’ is the only word to describe how I felt when I found out I’d received the MBE. It’s just not the type of thing you’d ever expect.”

The 87-year-old attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle, where she was presented with the award by Princess Anne.

She said: “We were met by a member of the household who escorted us and showed us through a room full of the most magnificent china and artefacts. All the staff along the way were so welcoming and expressed congratulations. They really made us feel special.”

After presenting Barbara with her MBE, the Princess Royal spoke to her about her volunteering work.

Barbara said: “She seemed to know all about my volunteering. The conversation went on for longer than I expected which made it even more special and exciting.”

Barbara has been part of Yorkshire Cancer Research’s Leeds volunteer group for more than 40 years, first volunteering in 1981. She has been Chair of the group on two occasions.

The cause is particularly personal to Barbara as her daughter, Deidre, was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was successfully treated, and it has now been more than 20 years since she was given the all-clear.

Barbara was accompanied to Windsor Castle by Deidre, who watched as her mum was presented with the award.

Barbara said: “It was really special to have Deidre with me on the day. She was the emotional one. She burst into tears when she saw me being presented with the award.”