CAPTION: Caitlin said her father is her biggest inspiration
School Mental Health Champion, Caitlin, 15, youngest to get St Boniface Medal
Caitlin James, 15, has become the youngest person to be awarded a St Boniface medal for her volunteering work as a Mental Health Champion at St Luke’s Church of England Secondary School in Exeter.
Caitlin was one of 11 people to be admitted to the Company of St Boniface by the Bishop of Exeter in a service at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday 7 June.
The St Boniface Awards are named after Devon’s patron saint, who was born in Crediton, and celebrate people who go above and beyond in their churches, schools, communities and oversees to serve others.
Eleven people receieved a St Boniface medal this year
Caitlin said “I feel honoured to get this award. It’s amazing to have this sense of acomplishment for what I do.
“Ever since I was little I have always wanted to help people in the community. Since my mum died it inspired me to be better. Instead of letting it get to me, I pushed forward and I tried to make a difference in the community.
“My dad has been brilliant at supporting me with everything I wanted to do. I couldn’t have asked for better parents. I know I’m making my mum proud, which is lovely.
She said her advice to other young people was: “Even if you feel like you are not making a difference you really are.The little things do matter and over time it does give you a great sense of accomplishment in yourself.”
Other recipients of this year’s awards included Irene Hicks, from St Peter’s church, Lamerton, who abseiled down the church tower on her 80th birthday to raise funds and who has played a key role in setting up a warm gathering space in the church, known as Coffee and Company.
Mary Casey was inspired to set up Seaton’s Freedom Cafe by the story of the Loaves and Fishes
Mary Casey set-up the Freedom Cafe in Seaton 16 years ago, which provides free meals and drink to its customers. She said “I felt so strongly about acting out the story of the loaves and fishes from the Bible, it wasn’t enough for me to just go to church. I wanted to start a real community cafe with waitresses and nice tables and a menu.
“The joy of it is that we have been able to give so much money back to the community – we have a couple of prayer baskets that people just drop money in. We only retain what need for the next cafe and the rest goes into the community. We also do a 15 minute ‘3-2-1 for Jesus’ prayer time at the cafe.”
Mary has also trained as an Anna Chaplain, offering spiritual care to older people, and runs a monthly Memory Church at her church for people who can no longer come to regular services.
She said “The Lord has given me so much in my life, even though my life has not always been easy. My faith for me is serving others. I get up each day and say ‘Your will be done, Lord, not mine.’ It’s an amazing thing, I get back much much more than I give out.”
David Netherway, from St James’ Church, Swimbridge, was nominated for an award for starting a number of community outreach and fundraising projects – including the St James; Sreamside Garden, which saw a unused section of the churchyard transformed into a garden for Swimbridge Pre-School.
Rev’d Cathy Schofield, who nominated him, said “David naturally builds community wiht incredible commitment, is well-respected and dedicates his life to benefit others, with great emphasis on the care of creation.”
Former Churchwarden Fred Webb being interviewed during the service
Fred Webb served as a churchwarden for St John the Baptist Church in Marldon for 40 years and said he loves being with people. He ran community Mystery Tours which would see locals travel to a mystery location by coach. The day trips always including a visit to the local church and the local pub.
Joan Veale, who nominated Fred, said “He has a high profile in the wider community as the friendly, cheerful face of the church, helping and advising all who need support.”
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “All the recipients have varied stories but what they have in common is generosity towards others.
“They have realised that it is not about solemn duty, it is what we were born for and called to. It is the greatest opportunity and fulfilment.
“Thanks be to God for this people, these excellent exemplars who inspire, delight and instruct us.”
The full list of this year’s recipients is: Caroline Adams (St James’, Exeter), Julia Beaman (St Paul’s, Honition), Carolyn Bull St Michael’s and the All Angels, Alphington), Nick Brown (St Mary the Virgin, Churston Ferrers), Mary Casey (St Gregory’s, Seaton), Katie Drew (Melanesian Mission), Irene Hicks (St Peter’s, Lamerton), Angela Hulme (St Mary Magdalene, South Molton), Caitlin James (St Luke’s school, Exeter), David Netherway (St James’ Swimbridge), Fred Webb (St John the Baptist, Marldon). Full biographies will be added in the next few days.
The nominations for the 2026 St Boniface Awards will open in January 2026. Find out more here.
