An Enniskillen woman who is one of only 450 people from across the United Kingdom to have been invited to attend His Majesty The King’s Coronation, says she feels “really privileged” and “very proud” to be recognised for her work with people living with a cancer diagnosis.

Genevieve Irvine, a founding member of SWELL (Supported We Live Life), a cancer survivorship charity group based in Enniskillen, received an invitation to the Coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey which will take place on Saturday, May 6.

‘Shock’

On receiving the special invitation, speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Genevieve said that at first it came as “quite a shock” and she thought somebody was playing a joke on her.

“I received an email and I didn’t quite believe the email. I thought, somebody’s taking the mickey, I thought it was a joke,” she laughed, adding: “Then the official cardboard invite arrived on Friday (April 21).

“I never thought I would get an invite like that.”

When asked what it meant to her to receive the invitation, Genevieve said: “I just feel really privileged and very proud that somebody’s actually recognised what SWELL are doing in the community.”

Explaining that she was also part of the Northern Ireland cancer strategy plan, Genevieve said: “I was working closely with the Department of Health and Robin Swann had to come down to the premises [in Enniskillen] to have a look around, so we do a lot of advocacy work.

“As well as providing services within the [SWELL] building here [in Enniskillen].

“Our plan is to be an advocate to help to make changes within the Department of Health for people in Northern Ireland with cancer, and especially to draw attention to the difficulties that you have when you live in a rural area.

“That’s as important as providing the services locally,” she added.

Looking forward to the Coronation day, Genevieve, who has only ever watched Royal events on the television, said that she thinks the atmosphere will be amazing.

“I think the music will be fabulous because I think there’s music that’s been specifically written for the event and just seeing everybody all dressed up, I’ve never gone to London for any of the special Royal events, I’ve only ever watched on TV so, to see the whole of pageantry, it’ll be amazing.

“I’m looking forward to the whole day.”

Noting that she is only one of 450 people invited to the Coronation out of the whole of the United Kingdom, Genevieve added: “I think, how have I got this invite?

“It’s a great honour. I am really pleased,” she said.