Long-standing Reading Samaritans volunteer Sophie Walters has been awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in Reading.

Sophie, who has been volunteering for Reading Samaritans for 26 years, was inspired by her aunt, Natalie Pringle, who volunteered for Central London Samaritans alongside Chad Varah, the charity’s founder.

The nuns at Sophie’s school, the Ursuline Convent High school in Wimbledon, also inspired Sophie to help others, as the motto was “I will serve”, she said.

“I saw an advert in the local paper asking for volunteers and I remembered how my aunt enjoyed volunteering for Samaritans," recalled Sophie.

"My husband Carl and I trained together and we have been volunteering ever since.

“I have worked with some really inspirational volunteers in Reading, including the late John Hay and Sally Wall.”

Reading Samaritans branch is currently recruiting, and Sophie hopes that new volunteers will come forward when they read her story.

She said: “I have always been aware that I have been fortunate to have had lots of people around who have cared for me and supported me.

"Being able to do that for people who do not have that support is a privilege. We aim to empower the people who contact us and give them the time and space to work out what they want to do.”

Sophie, who works in finance and has two children, added: “So many times when a caller rings up in a complete state and does not know what to do, or where to start, just by helping them talk though what’s happening and what options might be available, you can help them find a way forward.

“I am really chuffed about the award, and humbled by the kind things people have said about me. I also think that there are many people who I have volunteered with who I feel deserve it more than I do!”

During her time at Samaritans Sophie has been a committee chair, helped with selection, training and caller support and was director of Reading Samaritans for two years. She has also volunteered for a local charity called Circles.

Sophie will receive her BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire and attend a Buckingham Palace garden party next year.