Health workers to take part in the Queen's funeral procession

Health workers including the nurse who delivered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccination, are set to march in the Queen’s funeral procession.

May Parsons administered the first vaccine outside of clinical trials to Maggie Keenan on December 8, 2020.

In July this year, Ms Parsons met the Queen at Windsor Castle as the NHS was awarded the George Cross.

It marked only the third time that a George Cross had ever been awarded to an organisation rather than an individual.

A number of health workers and volunteers will take part in the funeral procession with the Queen’s coffin as part of the Civilian Services Contingent.

Recalling her meeting with the Queen this year, Ms Parsons said that the Queen was “so full of life and humorous”.

“To have those moments with her made her passing more painful,” said Ms Parsons.

“There are more than a million people in the NHS to represent so it’s an honour and a privilege to represent the wonderful people of the NHS at the funeral.”

Volunteers from St John’s ambulance will also take part in the funeral procession as part of the contingent.

Diana Martin, St John Ambulance’s unit manager for Leicester Central Event Services, said: “It’s a privilege to be selected to attend HM The Queen’s funeral and I’m honoured to be a part of this momentous occasion.”

Hundreds of volunteers from St John Ambulance will provide medial support across London and Windsor on Monday.

The Queen was Sovereign Head of the Order of St John – an order of chivalry – and patron to St John Ambulance.

Those roles now pass to King Charles III.