A nurse from Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has praised all “courageous” and “purposeful” women, after collecting her MBE.

Charity Gladstone was named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to nursing. She received the award from the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace last week.

Charity chose International Women’s Day to share photos of the special occasion on social media. She also paid tribute to her late mother.

“Receiving an MBE from Princess Royal Anne was a significant moment for myself and my community,” she said.

“I dedicate this to my late mother Darly Mhone, my first coach and mentor of self-belief and confidence”.

Charity went on to explain that her stunning outfit was made by her brother’s wife, Mrs Dr Titha.

She added: “Wearing the attire for the occasion held special significance, as it made me feel as though my late mother was as there beside me”.

Writing about her work in healthcare, Charity added: “I am committed to advancing the nursing and healthcare agenda within my circle of influence. It is an honour”.

She also paid tribute to women, saying: “I salute all women out there who are courageous, purposeful, and unafraid to accelerate other women and marginalised groups to achieve equity.”

Charity moved to the UK from her native Malawi in 2000. Her NHS journey began in Birmingham, where she worked in critical care. 

In 2018, she continued her career in Cornwall. She worked as a matron in the community and played a vital role for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust during the covid-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Charity joined Gloucestershire Hospitals’ NHS Foundation Trust to work in cardiology and respiratory services. 

She returned to Cornwall last July to begin a new role as an advanced nurse practitioner. Charity also chairs Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Network.