Crowning glory for a champion volunteer

by Lorraine Gibson

With this week being Volunteers Week, it’s a good time to thank those who, often unsung and unseen, help keep things going in our neighbourhoods.

With the Big Help Out an integral part of the Coronation weekend, one Dorset volunteer ended up getting more involved in the celebrations than she could have imagined... NHS responder Juliet Mosney was doing a quick check of her junk mail when she got a right royal surprise.

“I’d been nominated for a Coronation Champion Award for my involvement in the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme and, rather underwhelmingly, discovered I was a winner when I found an email in my junk folder!”

Juliet, a former teacher at St. Michael’s Middle School, Colehill, was chosen as one of 500 national Coronation Champions.

“I had to keep it secret until a big social media launch - and then I shared my joyful news with anyone that would listen!”

Next, a stunning presentation box arrived in the post. “It contained a beautiful certificate, signed by Their Majesties, and a Coronation pin badge.”

There was more.

“I was invited to attend the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle. I took my 15-yearold nephew, Finlay as my escort.”

As well as being a responder, Juliet also moderated the largest unofficial Facebook group with more than 10,000 volunteers, and became the Volunteer Representative on the organisation’s advisory board.

‘I am also in the National Design Group for the planning of the future of the NHS Volunteer Responder Scheme.’ She has been volunteering since she was a student at Blandford Upper School.

“I remember winning an award from the Lions Club for volunteering. At the start of the Pandemic, Matt Hancock requested an ‘army of volunteers’ to support people in our communities.

“I signed up with the NHS and received alerts via the GoodSAM App. I did shopping and collecting prescriptions.

“People were overwhelmed to have vital supplies delivered and most loved a sociallydistanced chat on the doorstep.”

Of the Coronation concert, she says: “We were blessed with a glorious, sunny evening.

“I’d seen details of the huge stage on TV, but nothing prepared me for the stunning backdrop of Windsor Castle against glorious clear blue skies.

“The crowd was well warmed up by DJ, Scott Mills and then Olly Murs got the show off to a great start.

“The Royal Family arrived to the loudest ovation. I could see them from my seat and they were all up dancing, waving their flags and luminous wrist bands. I was disappointed it was past Prince Louis’ bedtime!

“Finlay enjoyed the spectacular drones that unexpectedly lit up the night sky.”

Juliet has supported Encircles, a charity for the homeless, and Horatio’s Garden, a charity that provides beautiful gardens in spinal centres and was founded at Salisbury Hospital.

“I have my own health issues,” she says, “which is why I am no longer able to teach, but I have transferable skills I can use to support others.

“Volunteering was key to the Coronation weekend and I will continue to do my bit to serve those in need.” nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk.

Claire - from dieter to cheerer-onner!

I can only really remember once in my life when I was happy with my weight. That was around 16 years ago when I was getting married. I’d put a lot of work into getting the figure I wanted so I wouldn’t be embarrassed at being the centre of attention and in countless photographs (which I’ve never been comfortable with). I didn’t stay that size for long as pregnancy soon followed and fitting into my favourite jeans became a distant memory.

I yo-yoed from then on really, but each time I fell off my latest diet my heaviest weight grew and grew. My feet were agony getting out of bed in the mornings and I had shin splints walking the dog. I tried joining the village yoga class but found the poses that I was once able to do were near on impossible. I was almost suffocating under my boobs in my clumsy attempt at a shoulder standthankfully, I can still laugh at this!

I was finding excuses not to go out with friends. With no clothes that fitted and no desire to go shopping, it was easier to stay at home with wine and lots of nibbles. Luckily, my friends like to entertain at home so I could be comfortable with people I knew. On the few occasions I did go out on the town, baggy tops and jeans were the “go-to” outfits with flat shoes - even a slight heel had me hobbling around and looking forward to getting home to my slippers!

forever counting points/syns or whatever, the novelty quickly wore off and I often ended up heavier than when I started!

I’d seen the results of The 1:1 Diet from friends, but I was still sceptical that I could be that disciplined and didn’t really know what was involved. But, I thought if I could just get through a few weeks... I met up with Nicki for my initial consultation which put my mind at rest. There were plenty of different products so I wouldn’t get bored and not just shakes but bars, savoury meals, soups, bites...all sorts! – Hurrah!! Nicki has been brilliant - so knowledgeable and always there for support or a kick up the backside when I’ve needed it!!

Now I am almost 5 stone lighter, run at least 3 times a week, and feel well, fit and healthy for the first time in years, possibly ever. I can hop out of bed with no pain in my feet and there’s no sign of shin splints. I am SO happy I took the leap - it has changed everything, not just the way I look, but the way I feel. A good night out on the town (in heels) with friends can’t be beaten!!!

I’ve also gained so much self-confidence, to the point where I am now going to be, with Nicki’s support and guidance, a 1:1 Diet Consultant myself! Before starting this process, I never would have thought I would feel like this let alone be starting my own business. I want to help others feel as good as I now do!

Thank you Nicki - you’ve been amazing!!

Earlier last year, and at my heaviest, something clicked and I decided enough was enough - I WAS going to be slim and fit before my 50th birthday. I’ve “tried” most other diets, but with shopping lists, menu planning and *The weight lost and/or timeframes are particular to this slimmer. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique to them.

You can see the rest of Claire’s amazing journey on her facebook page @one2oneclairecornelius