Hertfordshire charity has been recognised with Royal award
Hearts for Herts charity provides defibrillators and teaches lifesaving skills across the county
A charity in Hertfordshire has been given The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and the equivalent to an MBE.
Hearts for Herts Charity is a volunteer run and paramedic led lifesaving charity, fundraising to provide and maintain public access defibrillators and bleed control kits.
The charity is rolling out 130 defibrillators and 350 bleed control kits, as well as trained over 1300 people from the ages of 11 to 97 lifesaving skills across the county.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer 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.
Founder, Chair and Paramedic, Justin Honey-Jones said: “We are truly honoured and delighted that Hearts for Herts Charity has been recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Every second counts in a cardiac arrest.
“This award is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and tireless commitment of our incredible small team of trustees and volunteers, who give their time and energy to make Hertfordshire a safer place for everyone.
“Our work—providing lifesaving equipment, free training, and innovative solutions for our communities—would not be possible without their passion and the support of our local partners and residents. On behalf of everyone at Hearts for Herts Charity, we thank His Majesty the King for this prestigious recognition. It inspires us to continue our mission to save lives and support our community because Every Heart Matters.”
Representatives of Hearts for Herts Charity will receive the award crystal and certificate from Robert Voss CBE, CStJ, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire in the coming months.
In addition, two volunteers from the charity will attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2026, along with other recipients of this year’s award.