Stratford charity champion set up lunch club to raise money and make friends
A FANTASTIC day was had by the 110 guests who attended the presentation of the British Empire Medal to Stratford charity champion, Jo Wheelwright-Horne, which also saw £1,400 raised for Shakespeare Hospice and ten crates of donations for Stratford Foodbank at the Sunday Lunch Club get together.
Tim Cox, The Lord Lieutenant of Warwickshire, presented a British Empire Medal (BEM)on behalf of His
Majesty The King to Jo Wheelwright-Horne at the Embankment Restaurant in Stratford on Sunday during a memorable occasion for Jo, aged 59, who was unable to attend the official presentation earlier in the year due to a hip replacement operation which took place on the same date.
“It was a really, really nice day and lovely to have Tim Cox, The Lord Lieutenant and all those wonderful friends and my family there for some fantastic food and company. Lunch Club broke the £100,000 mark this year and our chosen charity is the Shakespeare Hospice,” Jo said.
Jo was awarded her BEM in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List the first awards to be given by King Charles III.
Lunch Club was set up in 2016 by Jo and has raised money for Brain Tumour Support, Myton Hospice, Warwickshire Air Ambulance, Molly Ollys, Ameici Dog Rescue and Warwickshire Vision.
Tim Cox, The Lord Lieutenant said: “Joanne set up a Stratford Luncheon Club to bring together people in the community. It started with ten members and now has over 750 people. It also raises money for various charities and so far £100,000 has been raised.”
Tim Cox added the Lieutenancy is always looking for people who are doing wonderful
work in the county and who may be considered for national recognition. To find out more visit:
www.gov.uk/honours.