Pendleside Hospice’s Catering & Domestic Services Manager, Mark Scott, was invited to a royal reception at Clarence House on 5th November, where he had the honour of meeting Her Majesty The Queen. 

The event, held as part of Meals on Wheels Week, celebrated the incredible work of those who deliver not just nutritious meals, but also companionship and support to older and vulnerable people across the UK.  

Mark attended the reception following Pendleside’s recent success in winning the 2025 National Association of Care Catering Meals on Wheels Award, a national accolade recognising outstanding commitment to care through catering services. 

The award recognises the dedication, compassion and professionalism of the hospice’s catering teamand team of Pendleside Meals onWheels volunteers, who work tirelessly to ensure that residents in Burnley and Pendle receive freshly cooked, nutritious meals, while also providing friendly interaction and reassurance to those who may otherwise be isolated. 

Every day, Pendleside Hospice delivers around 70 hot, homemade meals to people in their own homes. Each meal is prepared by experienced chefs and delivered with care, seven days a week, 365 days a year and delivered by Hospice volunteers.  

For many of the people the service supports, the visit from a delivery driver may be the only personal interaction they have that day. Each meal visit provides not only nourishment but also companionship, a welfare check, and the reassurance that someone cares. It is this combination of practical support and human connection that lies at the heart of the Meals on Wheels service and makes it so valuable to the local community. 

Speaking about the royal invitation, Mark said: “It was an incredible honour to represent Pendleside Hospice and to meet Her Majesty The Queen at Clarence House. The event celebrated the people behind Meals on Wheels, those who go above and beyond every day to make sure vulnerable people receive not only a meal, but also companionship and reassurance.  

“It was humbling to see so many others committed to the same cause, and it made me proud of the work we do at Pendleside every day.” 

Helen McVey, Chief Executive at Pendleside Hospice, said: “We are so proud of Mark and the whole catering team. Meals on Wheels is about care, compassion and connection.  

“The recognition from NACC and the invitation to Clarence House is wonderful, but it’s the people we serve who make this work so worthwhile. The difference our team and volunteers make to people’s lives every day is what truly matters.” 

The hospice’s Meals on Wheels service has evolved to meet the needs of the local community. It ensures that people who are older, isolated, or living with complex needs continue to receive nutritious food and human contact, reducing loneliness and helping them remain independent in their own homes.  

The service is only possible thanks to the dedication of volunteers, who deliver meals with kindness and attention, offering a friendly word and reassurance to each person they visit. The commitment of volunteers is vital, helping Pendleside provide a service that goes far beyond delivering food. 

The Meals on Wheels service is soon to be featured in a two-page article in BBC Good Food Magazine, following a visit by a journalist who witnessed the service in action. The feature will highlight the team’s dedication, the vital role of volunteers, and the positive difference the service makes to people across Burnley and Pendle. 

Mark added: “To have national recognition and to be invited to Clarence House is a very special moment for everyone involved, but it’s the people we serve who make this work so worthwhile. Our team and volunteers do this because they care, and it’s a privilege to see that recognised nationally.” 

Pendleside Hospice exists to promote and enhance quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses, their families and carers. Its specialist, holistic care encompasses not only physical needs, but emotional, social and spiritual support, delivered through inpatient, day, outpatient and community services. 

All care at Pendleside is provided free of charge, made possible thanks to the generosity of supporters, volunteers and the wider community, ensuring services such as Meals on Wheels continue to provide nourishment, companionship and reassurance to those who need it most. 

If you know someone who would benefit from Meals on Wheels or would like to become a volunteer driver, please email [email protected].