CAPTION: Gina Radford was a recipient of a 2021 Lambeth Award for outstanding contributions to the Church and society
Devon Vicar Honoured For Her Pandemic Public Health Advice Role
The Rev’d Professor Gina Radford, Team Vicar in the Dart and Avon Mission Community, has been awarded the Canterbury Cross by the Archbishop of Canterbury for her outstanding work providing medical advice for churches and the Church of England’s senior leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gina is a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. She said “I feel both honoured and rather overwhelmed.
Rev’d Gina’s Lambeth Award
“It has been such a privilege to work with colleagues both nationally and locally at this difficult time, and to be able to use skills from my previous career in my new one.
“I honestly thought I had left public health behind when I moved to Devon – but the Lord clearly had other plans!”
The Rev’d Ven Nick Shutt, Archdeacon of Plymouth said: “Not only has Gina been a star on the national scene but within the Diocese Gina has been our “go to” person as part of our weekly Covid Core Group, giving us sound advice that we have shared across the Diocese, helping us unravel the copious guidance and rules that even as I write continues to be changed and be updated by the government.
“The four archdeacons have run regular webinars, attracting 175 participants when major changes have been announced, and Gina has got used to us saying ‘This question is for Gina to answer…’
“I can think of no one more worthy to receive the recognition Gina has received by being awarded the Cross of Canterbury by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
“Despite all these undoubted pressures Gina has remained remarkably resilient, upbeat with a great sense of humour, and a cat that makes guest appearances on most of our online Zoom calls….”
The Rev’d Professor Gina Radford was installed by the Rt Rev’d Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter, in a special service at St Petroc’s Church, South Brent.
Bishop Robert installed Gina in as the Team Vicar in the Dart and Avon Mission Community in June 2018.
On her receiving the Lambeth Award he said, “Gina has made an outstanding contribution not only to the life of the Diocese, but also to the national Church.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, her knowledge as a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England has been invaluable.
“She brings to all she does a wonderful blend of professionalism, compassion and holy common sense.
“She has given confidence and reassurance to people as they have navigated the challenges of the pandemic.
“It is wonderful that her work should be recognised in this way by the Archbishop of Canterbury.”
Bishop Robert has said that Rev’d Gina will be made a Prebendary of the Cathedral later this year in recognition of her service to the Diocese.
