New Year's Honours 2024: Sussex volunteer who supported people after London tube bombings gets BEM

• Embargoed: 29 December 2023 (22:00)
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A British Red Cross volunteer of more than four decades, who supported people impacted by the London tube bombings in July 2005, has been recognised in the New Year’s Honour’s List.

Volunteer President Gloria Moss, from Bognor Regis, Sussex, has been volunteering with the British Red Cross for over 40 years, and embodies the charity’s highest principles to serve others, continually finding new ways to benefit her community and those in need.

Gloria will receive the British Empire Medal (BEM) which is given to mark the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the UK. Fellow British Red Cross volunteer Graham Hundley has also been awarded a BEM.

During the London tube bombings, in July 2005, Gloria led on setting up the Queen Mother’s Leisure Centre used to provide humanitarian assistance to those affected.

After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, she organised a 24-hour meet-and-greet to UK nationals returning to Gatwick airport with limited possessions. The airport recognised her dedication with a personal Working in Partnership award.

A British Red Cross lifetime achievement award recipient, Gloria also led on the roll out “emergency response caravan,” in Kent and Sussex. The mobile relief shelter carried essentials such as food, drink, blankets and is used to assist people who have been affected by fires or flood.

Gloria’s career at the Red Cross also saw her leading on the response to the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic, where she worked with volunteers to deliver vital anti-viral medications to people’s homes.

Gloria Moss said: “I am proud of all the things we have done, all of the services we have provided and continue to provide. The Red Cross values of humanity, and impartiality means that when we help people, we do so in a way that reflects those values - with kindness and compassion.

“It is an honour, a wonderful honour, to be awarded a British Empire Medal for my work with an organisation that I am totally dedicated to.”

British Red Cross Chief Executive, Béatrice Butsana-Sita, said: “Every year, the New Year’s honours list gives us an opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions made by our amazing volunteers and this is no different.

“For decades, Gloria has gone above and beyond, repeatedly there to provide emergency support to people at times of crisis.

“We thank her for her kindness, courage, and tireless dedication.”

Notes to editors

• Photos attached of Gloria Moss
• For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies. We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them recover and move on with their lives. www.redcross.org.uk