A Red Cross volunteer from Cobham was made an MBE recently after working to support victims of the Grenfell Tower Fire.

Lady Angela Lamport is a long-standing British Red Cross voluntary worker from Cobham.

She was awarded an MBE in the recent New Year Honours List 2020.

Angela joined the Red Cross in 2003 and worked to support the victims of some of the decades worst catastrophes at home and abroad.

After the Grenfell Tower Fire claimed the lives of 72 residents, the Cobham resident worked through the Red Cross to support survivors and bereaved families.

"I'm overwhelmed," she said after receiving the honour.

"I think there are so many people who deserve it more than me, but I’m extremely humbled and grateful," Angela added.

As a member of the British Red Cross Psychosocial Support Team (PST), Angela also helped Britons fleeing conflicts or disasters in countries including Zimbabwe and Libya.

"I feel I have gained so much more from the Red Cross than I could ever have given to it.

"I went out to Haiti after the earthquake where I saw the utter devastation and the work the Red Cross was doing to help rebuild livelihoods.

"I travelled to Libya on a Royal Naval frigate to help people who were being evacuated," she described.

However, the Cobham resident said that the most impactful work she's done with the Red Cross was with the survivors of Grenfell.

"The most heart-rending experience was helping some of the bereaved families after the fire at Grenfell Tower. I still think of them every day.

“You realise that sometimes it is the small things that can make such a difference to someone at one of the lowest points in their lives.

"A kind word, a helping hand, a smile, a hug.

"It is at those moments one’s lives touch, and if by being there you can just make a little bit of difference to someone, it’s worth it in spades."

Angela was elected to the Red Cross Board of Trustees from 2007 to 2013, before taking on the voluntary fundraising role of Red Cross President for London.

Red Cross Chief Executive Mike Adamson, offered glowing praise for the Surrey MBE awardee.

"Angela has given many years of fantastic service to the Red Cross in a whole variety of roles in the field both in the UK and overseas and as a distinguished member of our board of trustees," he said.

"She is a true humanitarian and brings a special brand of warmth and empathy to bear in every situation.

"We are delighted to see her honoured in this way. It is richly deserved."