An Altrincham care home resident has been awarded a Papal Apostolic Blessing in recognition of her outstanding commitment to supporting her community.
Christine Cochrane, who has lived at MHA Handsworth for just over two years, was honoured alongside seven fellow members of the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD), the international charity and official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales. Between them, the group has amassed a remarkable 350 years of combined volunteering and support.
Christine was presented with her certificate on Sunday 14th June during Mass at her parish church, St Vincent's in Altrincham.
A lifelong churchgoer, Christine lived locally with her husband William, their two sons and daughter before moving to the home. She has volunteered with CAFOD for more than 45 years, encouraged by her late husband, who received the same blessing posthumously.
Charlotte Fowkes, activities coordinator at MHA Handsworth, said the honour came as a complete surprise.
"She visits the church every Sunday, and like every other Sunday expected this visit to be the same," she said.
"When she was told what was happening, she was very overwhelmed and felt like she didn't deserve the recognition.
"She told me she didn't do what she did for recognition, but I told her she should be proud of herself and the work she and her husband did.
"Her family were very proud when they heard and were very excited to share the news with their extended family. I put a post on the home's Facebook page, and the comments and reactions have been very positive."
MHA is the country's largest charitable care provider, supporting 17,500 older people across 73 care homes, 59 retirement living schemes and 39 MHA Communities hubs.
