May Parsons, Fil-Brit nurse, receives George Cross award from Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles

May Parsons has received the prestigious George Cross award on behalf of National Health Service (NHS) England.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras” Wednesday, she and NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard accepted the award from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles at Windsor Castle on July 12.

The George Cross award was also given to NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and NHS Northern Ireland in recognition of the health workers’ dedication and service during the pandemic.

The George Cross is the highest civilian award given by the British government to those who have shown heroism and courage despite great danger.

Parsons, a Filipino nurse based in the United Kingdom, administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in Dec. 8, 2020. In a Facebook post, she said she was honored to receive the George Cross award on behalf of her colleagues. She also praised the courage of her staff during the pandemic.

“I’d like to congratulate my team at University Hospital Coventry for all of the successes all of your work done this is the team that has obviously inspired me and allowed me to be the best that I could be,” she said in a Facebook video shared by University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire, where she worked. – RC, GMA News