A Stoke-on-Trent volunteer who lives with Alzheimer's has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026.

Local Royal Voluntary Service volunteer, Liz Greig, from Hanley, has been recognised for her outstanding service to charity and positive impact on the local community.

Since joining Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) to volunteer at the charity's Hanley Centre community hub in 2016, Liz has given countless hours of her time to the role, consistently going above and beyond in her support of both the Hanley centre, and the community.

Liz said: "Being a volunteer helps me tremendously with my mental health, and I've got Alzheimer's so it keeps my mind active.

"But mostly it helps my mental state because it keeps me going and gives me a purpose to get up and do something, and give back to the community. I like helping and feeling like I'm giving something back.

"I couldn't believe it when I found out I was being awarded. I'm over the moon. I don't do it to get awards, I just volunteer for the pleasure of it, but I'm really chuffed and proud of myself."

Liz volunteers in multiple roles at the RVS Hanley Centre - a local community hub - including working the reception desk, serving in the cafe, and supporting the various clubs and events hosted there.

Over the 10 years she has been involved with RVS, Liz's volunteering has not only benefitted the visitors of the centre, but it has had a huge impact on her own health and wellbeing.

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Liz, who lives with depression and anxiety, was also diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease around the time of the Covid pandemic. She is passionate about her volunteering and credits giving her time with supporting her mental and cognitive health.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, CEO of Royal Voluntary Service, said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that Liz has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list.

"At Royal Voluntary Service, we're so proud of volunteers like Liz, who remind us of the huge difference volunteering can make in communities across the country.

"I hope that Liz's award will inspire many more people to consider volunteering and experience the many benefits it can have, not just for those we support, but for those who give their time."

Anyone inspired by Liz can find out more about volunteering by searching for local opportunities on the GoVo website here.