The Sussex Heart Charity bags prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service
The highest award a local voluntary group can receive, The Sussex Heart Charity will be awarded the equivalent of an MBE for a voluntary group
Recipients of the Kings Award for Voluntary Service for 2024 have been announced today, and the Brighton and Hove based cardiac charity are among them. Alongside 261 other charities and organisations, the volunteer group will be recognised for their excellent work in the community.
The Sussex Heart Charity’s work 
Located in Brighton and Hove, independent charity The Sussex Heart Charity, has been supporting cardiac related care in the city since 1987. They’ve focused on funding state-of-the-art equipment, education and research, assisting and funding nearly 400 automated external defibrillators, and much more across East and West Sussex.
The former chair and long serving volunteer Trustee/Director of The Sussex Heart Charity, Jason Palmer, shared his feelings on the charity being recognised with the award.
“The Sussex Heart Charity is the only dedicated cardiac care charity in Sussex led by an enthusiastic team of volunteer trustees. I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that the work of all our volunteers – past and present, who give up their free time to help at events, including our fundraisers and supporters too – are to be formally recognised with this Award. Looking at the other recipients of the award this year, they all seem equally incredible and inspiring. I am therefore surprised, but so glad, to be receiving the Kings Award for Voluntary Service on behalf of The Sussex Heart Charity. It is truly an honour; I could not be prouder.”
Read – New charity shop gift card available to support local charities and organisations
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Originally established in 2002, in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee, as The Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the award shines a light on local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups executing outstanding work to support and improve their communities. Following his accession to the crown, His Majesty The King has continued with the award.
…the award shines a light on local charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups executing outstanding work to support and improve their communities.
Lord-Lieutenants will present the award to the successful groups. The Sussex Heart Charity will be awarded by Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.
Two representatives of each awardee group will then be invited to Buckingham Place for a garden party to celebrate their achievements, in May 2024.
Future nominees and details
Nominations for the 2025 award recipients opens on 1 June 2024. So note the date in your diary if you know of a voluntary group that deserves to be recognised with this award.
Full information on the award, its recipients and 2025 nominations, can be found on The King’s Award for Voluntary Service website.