THE former manager of a Bournemouth hotel which hosted people with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses has received an award from Dorset’s High Sheriff.

Brenden Howard, who was general manager of the Grove Hotel on the East Cliff for over a decade, was recognised for his services to the community by George Streatfeild, the High Sheriff.

“The first I knew about the award was when I received a call from the town hall,” said Brenden.

“I was pretty taken aback. But once it sank in, I felt really honoured and thankful to the wonderful guests and people who nominated me.”

Under usual conditions, Mr Howard would have been invited along to the town hall to receive the award at. However, due to the pandemic, the High Sheriff visited him at his home to hand over the accolade.

Brendan added: “It was pretty unusual hosting him on my doorstep, but he was a lovely chap.

“My three daughters couldn’t believe that I’d had a visit from the High Sheriff while they were at school.

“They are all really chuffed for me.”

The Grove was subsidised by the local Macmillan Caring Locally charity, which was founded in 1974 and also supports the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital.

Brenden and his staff provided much-needed short breaks and holidays for terminally ill people and their loved ones.

“Some people who came to us were so full of anxiety because of their conditions they had to actually be persuaded they needed a break,” said Brenden.

“But by the end of the holiday they often didn’t want to go home.

“It was completely different to any other hotel – unique – and we would try and fulfil any request from our guests; whatever they wanted to do, wherever they wanted to go and even special things they wanted to eat – nothing was too much trouble.

“For me as the manager, just meeting them and seeing them experiencing pleasure and creating memories, made it the best job ever.”

As well as running The Grove, Brenden was and remains a staunch supporter of Macmillan Caring Locally.

“At one point I was persuaded to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth for the charity,” he said.

“It was terrifying. But my guests signed me up and I couldn’t back out.”

Financial pressures arising from the pandemic left the charity with no choice but to close The Grove in September 2020.

Since then, Brenden has channelled his energies into starting a new business, Bike Care Plus, which helps cyclists.

He said: “Lockdown has meant many people have gone back to cycling, and I clean and service bikes and carry out minor repairs.

“I miss The Grove, the staff and guests. But I will always be there for Macmillan Caring Locally if they need me.”

The High Sheriff of Dorset George Streatfeild, said: “Meeting Brenden was amazing. He clearly cared a great deal for his guests at the hotel and it was a bitter blow to him when it closed.

“I would say he is quite an exceptional person to be so caring and dedicated to helping those suffering and less fortunate than himself.

“He just wants to use his skills and experience to help people and he continues to do that with his new bike venture. It was a real pleasure meeting him.”

Neal Williams, Trust Secretary of Macmillan Caring Locally, added: “We are all so pleased and proud for Brenden.

“He is such a modest man who has made a real difference to the lives of so many people over the years. He richly deserves this award.”