Tuesday 5 July 2016

My Hero

It is rare for me to post on a subject that doesn’t in some way involve writing but this time I’m hanging it on my hero – my real hero; my husband. He has for many years been one of that quiet band of self-effacing people who give of their time and energy, sometimes in very difficult circumstances, for the welfare of others. At The Mansion House on 4th July, along with twenty-eight others, he was recognised for his contribution at the annual ceremony of The League of Mercy.

Louis with Ellen Tumelty
It all started several years ago when Louis began volunteering at the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. It may be that I am biased but the people who work at the Hospice are most certainly not. On many occasions at fund-raising quizzes or summer fetes I have been told what a wonderful man he is (as if I didn’t already know). At the ceremony I was lucky enough to meet Ellen Tumelty, Modern Matron, who worked with my husband for many years and who speaks of him with great affection.

I had never before met Lord Lingfield, President of the League and a truly charming man. As each recipient was called to receive his or her Badge, he spent several moments chatting, with no diminishing of enthusiasm even by the time he had reached the last. 


The ceremony was held in the Egyptian Room at Mansion House and took place with all the pomp one could wish in those beautiful surroundings. If you would like further information about the League you will find it here.
The Egyptian Room
The Egyptian Room









At the close of the ceremony the recipients were held back in the Egyptian Room 
for the taking of formal photos, a copy of which they will receive in due course.

The Salon



Insignia from the Past
The rest of the assembled company, a personal guest and a representative of the nominating organisation, were all invited to take tea in the salon, a magnificent room where we were joined by the participants after the photo shoot. The trustees somehow managed to talk to everyone present.




It was for me a day filled with pride and humility. We all have our heroes, don’t we. They may appear in books, in films, on our television screens or in the news. I have my own at home. Congratulations, Louis Kleinman, on the public recognition of work undertaken so discreetly but with such far-reaching effect.

The Badge of
The Order of Mercy







18 comments:

  1. Lovely post, Natalie, and you are clearly (and rightly) so proud of your wonderful husband.

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    1. It was a very special day, Viv, that's for sure.

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  2. Well done, Louis. That hospice is the one my lovely dad would have gone to if he'd made it through the night. I wish he'd have got there and had wonderful people like, Louis make his final days as peaceful as possible xx

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    1. There's always been a wonderful atmosphere whenever I've visited. A special place to spend one's last days or even for respite.

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  3. Lovely to read this heart warming story. Congratulations to Louis.

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  4. It sounds like a wonderful day and obviously something to be very proud of. Elaine R x

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    1. It was and my feet still haven't touched the ground. A very special day

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  5. What a wonderful blog. I can feel the glow from your pride Natalie. So pleased you both enjoyed Louis honour. What a wonderful achievement for Louis and wonderful memory for both of you. Fx

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    1. It was an amazing experience and I feel extremely lucky to have been part of it.

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  6. A lovely post Natalie. Many congratulations to Louis

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    1. Thank you, Carol. I will tell him. Still walking on air

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  7. You must be so proud Natalie. Louis is amazing x

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    1. I am indeed, Karen. So many don't receive recognition for the work they do and that's made it even more special

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  8. A very moving post, Natalie, for so many reasons. Good news like this is hard to find!

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    1. Thank you, Guernsey Girl and yes, in today's uncertain world it's lovely to have some good news to report.
      My apologies for slow response but I've been away for the weekend without my laptop.

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  9. How right that Louis is your hero. What a fabulous job he's done and he's well deserving of his award. The hospice is very lucky to have him.

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    1. It's rewarding to know that this kind of work is recognised. Louis is known as Man Friday because that was always his day.

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