Volunteers Honoured with King’s Award for Voluntary Service

St Elizabeth Hospice is celebrating the news that its volunteer-led bereavement walking group, Walk On, has been named as recipients of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.

This is the highest honour a volunteer group can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE. Founded and led by Woodbridge couple Dennis and Sarah Tattoo, the group of 24 volunteers received the award in recognition of their running of Walk On and its impact on the lives of those it supports.

Dennis said: “This is wonderful news and a real team effort, reflecting everyone who makes Walk On what it is. Especially the team of fantastic walk leaders who have enabled the programme of walks to grow and provide support to the communities of Ipswich, East Suffolk, Great Yarmouth and Waveney.

“Anyone joining Walk On for the first time is welcomed and embraced, and quickly becomes part of a safe, supportive space where we can share stories and memories of loved ones as often as we wish, while enjoying the wellbeing benefits of walking in nature.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of Walk On and for the group to receive this recognition. It is a fantastic achievement and something we can all be very proud of.”

Launched in 2021 by Dennis and Sarah, in partnership with the hospice’s LivingGrief bereavement service, Walk On gives people who have experienced the death of a loved one an opportunity to connect with others, share experiences and find support, while enjoying the benefits of walking outdoors.

During this time, more than 520 group walks have been held across the local area, with walkers clocking up more than 33,000 miles collectively.

Sarah added: “Walk On has become a lifeline for many people. It is a real privilege to support the group and be part of such a caring community. It is wonderful to see how it helps people through some of life’s toughest moments, offering friendship, understanding and a new way of living with grief.

“Like Dennis, I am honoured that we have all received this award. It is a wonderful testament to everyone who makes Walk On the welcoming group it is today and to the difference it continues to make as the community grows and reaches more people.”

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to support their communities.

The Walk On group will receive the award crystal and certificate from His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mark Pendlington in the coming months. In addition, the founders of Walk On will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2027, along with other recipients of this year’s award.

Judi Newman, Chief Executive Officer at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “Many congratulations to our brilliant Walk On group on receiving this much-deserved recognition. For so many people, Walk On is a real lifeline and a wonderful example of how our community, alongside the hospice, can support one another through grief and loss.

“This special award is a fantastic opportunity to thank all the Walk On volunteers, on behalf of everyone at the hospice, for the incredible compassion and kindness they show through their work.”

Jemma Wood, Head of Volunteering at St Elizabeth Hospice, said: “We’re delighted that Dennis, Sarah and the Walk On group have received this wonderful recognition in honour of their dedication and years of support to St Elizabeth Hospice. It is thoroughly deserved.

“They are fantastic ambassadors for the hospice and represent the incredible commitment and compassion shown by all our volunteers, who generously give their time to support patients and their families every year.

“We simply would not be the hospice we are today without our amazing volunteers, like the Walk On group, and we are incredibly grateful to each and every one of them.”