Hertfordshire Hero 2026
Catherine McArevey Named Helping Herts Hero 2026
On Friday 25 September 2026, Helping Herts came together to celebrate an extraordinary Hertfordshire community champion as Catherine McArevey QN, former Mayor of Dacorum, was presented with the Helping Herts Hero Award 2026.
The Helping Herts Hero Award celebrates an individual who has gone above and beyond to make a positive and lasting difference to their local community. Each year, nominations open during Helping Herts Week, our annual celebration bringing together our charity partners, businesses and communities across Hertfordshire to raise awareness, get involved and raise vital funds for local causes.
During Helping Herts Week in July, nominations came flowing in from Catherine’s peers and members of the Hertfordshire community, highlighting her incredible commitment to supporting others.
As former Mayor of Dacorum, Catherine served her community with kindness, integrity and genuine compassion. She has worked tirelessly to support local charities, raising significant funds through community events and inspiring others to get involved. Her commitment has touched countless lives across the county, with nominators describing her as approachable, selfless and always willing to give her time to residents, volunteers and local organisations.
Catherine has consistently gone above and beyond to bring people together and strengthen her community, always putting others first. Her enthusiasm, positivity and dedication to public service have inspired those around her and encouraged others to volunteer, support local causes and take pride in their community.
A Queen’s Nurse, Cavell Star recipient and dedicated volunteer, Catherine has spent more than 20 years giving back. She became the first young person in Dacorum to join the Millennium Volunteers scheme, later chaired the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and played a key role in securing more than £250,000 for local domestic abuse services.
Catherine, who continues to work as a Community Nurse, was presented with her award by Sally Burton DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, during a special evening celebrating her achievements and contribution to Hertfordshire.
During Helping Herts Week in July, nominations came flowing in from Catherine’s peers and members of the Hertfordshire community, highlighting her incredible commitment to supporting others.
As former Mayor of Dacorum, Catherine served her community with kindness, integrity and genuine compassion. She has worked tirelessly to support local charities, raising significant funds through community events and inspiring others to get involved. Her commitment has touched countless lives across the county, with nominators describing her as approachable, selfless and always willing to give her time to residents, volunteers and local organisations.
Catherine has consistently gone above and beyond to bring people together and strengthen her community, always putting others first. Her enthusiasm, positivity and dedication to public service have inspired those around her and encouraged others to volunteer, support local causes and take pride in their community.
A Queen’s Nurse, Cavell Star recipient and dedicated volunteer, Catherine has spent more than 20 years giving back. She became the first young person in Dacorum to join the Millennium Volunteers scheme, later chaired the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, and played a key role in securing more than £250,000 for local domestic abuse services.
Catherine, who continues to work as a Community Nurse, was presented with her award by Sally Burton DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, during a special evening celebrating her achievements and contribution to Hertfordshire.
Speaking about receiving the award, Catherine said:
“I'm truly honoured and humbled to receive the Helping Herts Hero Award. I'm proud to be a community nurse, where kindness, inclusion and supporting people beyond healthcare are at the heart of what we do, and I hope this recognition also helps raise awareness of the incredible work Helping Herts does across our community.”
Catherine’s story perfectly represents what the Helping Herts Hero Award is about: recognising the people who give their time, energy and compassion to make a difference to others and help strengthen communities across Hertfordshire.
Congratulations to Catherine on being named our Helping Herts Hero 2026, and thank you for everything you continue to do for people and communities across the county.
Nominate Your Herts Hero
Nominations open each year for Helping Herts Hertfordshire Hero. Nominations for 2027 will be open in June 2027, make sure to keep an eye out on our website and social media for openings.