Margaret Kirby, who was instrumental in delivering the protection market’s Seven Families initiative, has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Kirby founded legal charity LegaCare in 2011 and has been recognised for services to law and vulnerable people in the New Year’s Honours.
Her vision was to enable people who were affected by the diagnosis of a life-threatening or life-limiting illness to have access to free legal help irrespective of their social or financial background.
The charity offers support for terminally ill people or those with a palliative diagnosis, however its work goes beyond legal intervention for people affected by life threatening or terminal illness.
It has so far assisted almost 7,500 people.
It noted that along with the catastrophic news that changes their lives forever, they also have lots of legal issues that need addressing to remove or reduce some of the stress and anxiety that such issues cause.
The charity works alongside health and social care professionals to provide patient-centred care which helps them have clarity and regain an element of control, enabling them to tolerate treatment better and prioritise their care pathway.
It has also arranged weddings, funerals, pet adoptions and rehomed clients.
Kirby said: “I am absolutely astounded to receive the MBE for services to law and vulnerable people, and I’m truly humbled by those involved in making the award possible, including many people I’ve looked up to and respected in the insurance industry for many years.
“On reflection, I think this is because we all put, or want to put, the client first.”
