MBE for co-founder of Maidenhead-based NRAS

The co-founder of a national charity has been honoured by the Queen at Windsor Castle for more than a decade of health campaigning.

Ailsa Bosworth, who started the Maidenhead-based National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society from her home in College Avenue in 2001, was at the royal residence on Wednesday, April 13, to be made an MBE for services to people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Speaking about the experience, she said: “It was an absolutely superb day, the sun shone and we even got the Queen herself, which was lovely because you don’t know who’s doing the ceremony until you get there.

“I had been hoping it would be her.

“And Windsor was such a lovely location for it as well.

“The room was gorgeous, although it was a bit nervous making because you have to stand by an equerry, curtsey, walk towards her and then curtsey again – which for someone with rheumatoid arthritis can be a bit difficult.”