MANILA, Philippines — British Queen Elizabeth II recognized a Birmingham-based Filipino cancer patient for her "services to the community."
Hailing from Butuan City, Doreen Jaen-Mooney of New Heights, Kingstanding was granted the rank of Member under the Order of the British Empire, an order of chivalry, earlier this month.
The rank is awarded to persons for "significant achievement or outstanding service to the community," the United Kingdom government says on its website.
It is also awarded for local "hands-on" service, which stands out as an example to other people.
Mooney is among the volunteers who established a community café to build friendships and get access to training and jobs, the Great Barr Observer reports.
She has also taken care of disabled people despite suffering from breast cancer herself.
"I am so grateful and honored to be given such award. Never in my dreams that I would be given such honors! What a humbling experience, indeed," she tells the local publication.