TWO prison workers from Warrington have been presented with prestigious national commendations by the Princess Royal in a ceremony at St James’ Palace in London.
Ruth Cropper, a drug workers from Thorn Cross prison at Appleton Thorn and Rachel O’Connor, a probation officer based at Risley Prison received their commendations from the Butler Trust, of which Princess Anne is patron.
Their commendations were two of only 19 granted this year, from over 350 nominations across Britain.
Now in their 33rd year, the Butler Trust annual awards recognise outstanding service by staff and volunteers working in UK prisons, probation, and youth justice settings.
This year’s award ceremony was held at St James’s Palace, with The Princess Royal presiding, as she has each year since the charity’s launch.
Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke MP, and Prisons and Probation Minister Rory Stewart were in the audience of over 200 there to honour this year’s winners.
After the presentations, The Princess talked to Ruth and Rachel alongside their fellow winners, over afternoon tea in the Palace State Rooms.
Simon Shepherd, director of the Trust, said:“It’s easy to forget that there’s an unsung army of people behind the criminal justice headlines. Every day, these hidden heroes do remarkable and inspiring work on behalf of the public. Our winners show the very best of this sector – and that’s very good indeed.”
Speaking about Ruth Cropper, chairman of the Butler Trust’s independent awarding panel, Sir Michael Harrison said: “Ruth is justly described by colleagues as ‘a beacon of light’, and her combination of skills and dedication has helped lead to Thorn Cross prison having one of the lowest drug rates in the country.”
About Rachel O’Connor, Sir Michael said: “Rachel impressed us with her humanity and commitment, and the holistic approach she takes to supporting and empowering women offenders with complex needs.”
Rachel O’Connor receives her commendation from the Princess
