'This award reflects the passion and drive that everyone ' - HOPE springs with King’s highest honour for voluntary service
A charity offering support for families of children with epilepsy is celebrating after being awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) - the highest honour given to voluntary groups in the United Kingdom.
HOPE for Epilepsy (HOPE) is one of 232 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year.
Often described as the MBE for volunteer groups, the King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local groups to support their communities.
It was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and was continued following the accession of His Majesty The King.
Skegness resident and HOPE Trustee, Louise Miller, joined HOPE for Epilepsy 3 years ago as a fundraiser, and volunteers remotely. She says: “This award reflects the passion and drive that everyone involved in HOPE shares to make life easier for families who have a child diagnosed with epilepsy.
"All of our volunteers work tirelessly, and this truly rewards the effort that volunteers and trustees, past and present, have given to HOPE.”
The accolade celebrates the unwavering dedication of HOPE’s Trustees, Advisors, and Family Support Session helpers; a 100% volunteer-led team committed to supporting families living with epilepsy.
Their collective efforts have brought comfort, connection, and practical support to countless parents, carers, and individuals
across the UK.
“This award is a true reflection of the passion and generosity of our volunteers,” said
Dr. Nadine Gurr, Chair of Trustees at HOPE for Epilepsy. “Every person who gives their time to HOPE plays a vital role in changing lives. We’re deeply grateful to receive such national recognition for what we’ve achieved together.”
The award also acknowledges the trust and appreciation shown by the families HOPE serves. This recognition will strengthen the charity’s ability to secure grants and funding - essential to sustaining its initiatives such as its anti-suffocation pillow donation scheme and its ongoing family support sessions.
The team will celebrate the achievement at their upcoming Family Support Session, marking an important milestone in HOPE’s journey to continue providing practical help and emotional support to those affected by epilepsy.
Representatives will receive the award crystal and certificate from Sir Ken Olisa, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London in the coming months. In addition, two HOPE volunteers will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.