Jane and David Casey Casey are a shining example to all – there isn’t the space available to list all the volunteer work they do in their church and local community.

The couple – members of the London Road Methodist Church, in Horsham, Sussex – help Syrian families relocated to the area with the town’s refugee support group.

Helen Currington, who nominated them, said, ‘Jane teaches the refugees English, while David helps decorate their homes. They befriend these vulnerable people, helping them with appointments, negotiating red-tape, and organising children’s outings.

‘They both work on the Horsham churches night shelter, and on our church summer holiday club. David is part of the Open the Book team, while Jane runs our mother-and-toddler group, managing other volunteers. She also works on the Alzheimer’s Society’s Time for Dementia project, linking medical undergraduates with people with dementia and their carers.

‘David’s a church steward, and a member of the council and leadership teams, as well as the property mission team – he also helps with DIY where needed! And then he leads the church scout group – Sixth Horsham – and volunteers with the Horsham green gym which improves the environment in and around Horsham.

‘They’re both shining examples of volunteering in the church and the wider community.’

Talking about the work she and her husband do with refugees Jane Casey said, ‘They’ve come from absolutely terrible situations, often arriving here bewildered and unable to speak English,’ she said. ‘Some can’t even read or write Arabic. We see it as our duty as Christians to welcome them and help them to settle in in any way we can.’

She said they were ‘humbled’ by the award. ‘We’re retired, so we have more time to give,’ she said. ‘There are many volunteers in the church, all doing their best to spread God’s love.’