Coroner's office worker who dealt with forces repatriations is made MBE (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Coroner's office worker who dealt with forces repatriations is made MBE

11:17am Tuesday 19th June 2012 in North Wilts news

A WOMAN who has dedicated her working life to helping bereaved Wiltshire families, including relatives of over 300 servicemen and women repatriated through RAF Lyneham, has been awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Mother-of-one Ann Corcoran, 48, was given the award in recognition of her work in the Coroner’s office and for helping grieving families over almost three decades.

She said: "When I first received the letter I thought it was a tax return and then I thought it was someone playing a joke on me so I rang work to tell them about this funny letter and they told me it was true.

"It is so nice to know that my colleagues felt that way about me, it really is an honour."

"I have stayed in the same job for nearly 30 years and it is very rewarding to be able to support families at very difficult times for them."

She was nominated by colleagues includingWiltshire Coroner David Ridley.

He said: "Ann is passionate about helping the public and is always empathetic and compassionate. She regularly receives the grateful thanks of relatives.

"Since April 2007 Ann was also responsible for the preparation of formal documentation following the repatriation of over 300 deceased service personnel. "The quality of her work was exemplary and ensured a difficult process was dealt with as efficiently, sensitively and as quickly as possible," he added.