“I was delighted”: MBE for Girl Guides Leader in Salford

A girl guides leader from Salford has been awarded an MBE in the delayed Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Eccles resident Pat Mayle, was given the award for her voluntary services to the girl guides, including being part of creating the Comfort Bags Scheme.

On receiving the award, Mayle said: “I was very surprised, I was delighted. I had to read it a few times but very shocked. It’s not what you expect to pop up in your emails.”

Pat volunteers as part of the Greater Manchester West Region of girl guiding whilst also volunteering at Salford Royal Hospital. Though it is not just local volunteering that she has done either, with her work also being national.

We are very proud to tell you all, our very own @pat_mayle has been recognised with an MBE for services to Girlguiding and the Covid-19 response. Congratulations Pat. @Girlguiding @fionaDmurphy@Girlguiding_NWE@NCAlliance_NHS@SalfordRoyalNHS https://t.co/9Z0Bd2veAm

— Girlguiding GMW (@GirlguidingGMW) October 9, 2020

The Comfort Bag Scheme involves a bag of essentials given to hospital patients who were unable to bring one themselves. The items include toiletries, a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and a notepad and pencil.

On the Comfort Bag Scheme, Mayle commented: “I didn’t expect it to take off like it has. It took off beyond all belief. Within twelve months, we’d done about 1,000. In 2016, we rolled it out across the North West and I should imagine we’ve done about 18,000 across the North West”.

The bags have also been a huge success during the pandemic.

Mayle added: “When Coronavirus first started, in March, patients weren’t allowed to take anything in.

“And we got a cry for help from Salford Royal Bereveament Team on the 21st of March and basically they were going through the bags as fast as we put them in.

“I put a call round and five of our leaders sort of took it upon themselves to organise more within their areas. And then we decided to make treat bags- a small drink, a chocolate bar, hand cream and lip balm. All the things that were just a bit of a treat.”

Mayle added that she was overwhelmed with the response she has had since receiving the award. People have been getting in touch who had been part of the group many years ago.

Despite there being no ceremony currently allowed for the awards, Mayle has been promised that when possible, there shall be a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.