Cornwall Nurse Celebrates MBE Award on International Women’s Day, Dedicates Honour to Late Mother

In a moving tribute on International Women’s Day, Charity Gladstone, a dedicated nurse from the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, shared her profound gratitude and reflections upon receiving an MBE for her exceptional services to nursing.

The prestigious recognition, part of the King’s New Year’s Honours list, was presented by Princess Royal Anne at Buckingham Palace, marking a significant moment not only for Charity but for her community as well.

Charity took to social media on this special day to share photographs of the memorable event and to pay homage to her late mother, Darly Mhone, whom she credited as her “first coach and mentor of self-belief and confidence.” The nurse expressed how the ceremony and the MBE itself felt like a tribute to her mother’s enduring influence.

The attire Charity chose for the ceremony, crafted by her brother’s wife, Mrs. Dr. Titha, held special significance for her. She shared that wearing it made her feel connected to her late mother, emphasising the emotional weight of the occasion. “Wearing the attire for the occasion held special significance, as it made me feel as though my late mother was there beside me,” Charity remarked.

Beyond her personal achievements, Charity used the platform to champion women’s empowerment and inclusivity, celebrating the courage, purpose, and resilience of women worldwide. Her message underscored the importance of uplifting women and marginalised groups to achieve equity in all spheres of life.

Charity’s journey to this moment has been marked by dedication and service. After moving to the UK from Malawi in 2000, she began her NHS career in Birmingham, specialising in critical care. Her career later took her to Cornwall and then Gloucestershire, where she continued to make significant contributions to healthcare, particularly during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Charity returned to Cornwall to take up a new role as an advanced nurse practitioner and has been an active leader in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within the Trust.

The recognition of Charity’s contributions reached international levels, with the President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, expressing hope that her award would inspire others from Malawi to serve humanity with distinction, both abroad and at home. Charity’s MBE is a testament to her impact on healthcare and her role as an inspirational figure for women and communities worldwide.