Cornwall nurse Charity Gladstone dedicates MBE to late mother

A nurse from Cornwall has praised all “courageous” and “purposeful” women after collecting her MBE.

Charity Gladstone, who works for Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list for services to nursing.

She collected the honour from Buckingham Palace earlier in March.

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

Ms Gladstone said it was a “significant moment for myself and my community”.

The trust said she was only the third person from Malawi to receive the honour.

President of Malawi, Lazarus Chakwera, said: “May this prestigious award inspire Malawians for greater service to humanity abroad and at home.”

Ms Gladstone said: “I am committed to advancing the nursing and healthcare agenda within my circle of influence. It is an honour.

“I salute all women out there who are courageous, purposeful, and unafraid to accelerate other women and marginalised groups to achieve equity.”

She chose International Women’s Day to share photos of the special occasion on social media.

She moved to the UK from Malawi in 2000 and joined the NHS in Birmingham, where she worked in critical care.

In 2018, she continued her career in Cornwall and worked as a matron in the community.

In 2021, she moved to Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to work in cardiology and respiratory services.

In July 2023 she started a new role as an advanced nurse practitioner in Cornwall.

She also chairs the trust’s equality, diversity and inclusion network.