Two volunteers from Cardiff have been named among the Queen Consort's Coronation Champions, beating thousands of nominees for the prestigious award. Molly Fenton, a period poverty campaigner, and Samia Egeh, co-founder of Grangetown-based youth organisation United2Change, are among 500 of the nation's most dedicated volunteers rewarded by King Charles and Queen consort Camilla as part of their official coronation celebrations.
A call-out to the nation saw almost 5000 entries submitted, with nominees' ages ranging from 14 to 103. All champions have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.
Molly will attend the Coronation Garden party at Buckingham Palace and Samia will go to the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle.
Molly campaigns to raise awareness of and find solutions to period poverty across the UK, while Samia helps marginalised young people have a voice in their local communities.
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Commenting on the achievement, Molly Fenton said: "For the last four years, I've spent every day and multiple overnights working on LoveYourPeriod. From taking international calls in the early hours to getting period supplies to refugees and war zones, I am passionate about fighting for women's health equality.
"It's an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. It's heart-warming to have my volunteering efforts recognised, but this award also recognises the work of the amazing team of volunteers I work with."
Samia Egeh co-founded United2Change to help young people influence decision-making and have a voice in their communities. The organisation works with parents and young people, mainly from ethnically diverse and disadvantaged communities.
Following her achievement, she said: "I did not expect this, but I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the United2Change team, who work hard to create better opportunities and support for young people across Cardiff."
The Coronation Champions Awards were launched in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service - of which Queen Consort Camilla is president - to recognise the country's most exceptional volunteers. People were invited to nominate local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile and entries were separated into eight categories: supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment and animal welfare.
Both Samia and Molly were nominated by Cardiff councillor Sara Robinson, who represents the city's Grangetown ward. She said: "Samia and Molly have blown me away with their dedication to their respective causes. They work incredibly hard to pursue their goals of a fairer future for women and young people, and it was my honour to nominate them for this award. I'm so pleased that both of them have been recognised."
Catherine Johnstone CBE, chief executive of Royal Voluntary Service, said the organisation was "completely blown away by the response" and a "huge volume" of nominees had been put towards. "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," she said.
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