The celebratory event took place at Lewis-Manning Hospice Care where Jane had been a trustee for nine years, before her death earlier this year.

Guests including Jane’s immediate family and friends, Lewis-Manning trustees and former colleagues, made many moving tributes.

Michael Dooley said: “It is wonderful to get everyone together and celebrate such an amazing lady. I am delighted to dedicate this posthumous award to Jane, who I knew for many years and previously worked alongside.”

Chair of University Hospitals Dorset, David Moss, said: “I was involved in Jane’s appointment as Poole Hospital chaplain back in 1985. She was the first full-time chaplain at the hospital and also the first female chaplain. It’s amazing that she worked at Poole Hospital for thirty-six years, right up until her death in April after a short battle with cancer.

“I had the privilege of visiting Jane in hospital towards the end of life and was amazed at her serenity and the compassion she showed for other people around her, including patients and staff.

“She made a huge contribution to the NHS, the local community and the church. I am very happy to be able to pay my respects to Jane this evening.”

Another tribute was given by the chairman of the Lewis-Maning Hospice Care Board of Trustees, Jeremy Allin, who said: “Jane joined the hospice as a trustee back in 2012 and made a big impact. She gave a lot of pastoral guidance to the trustees, she was the heart of our trustees and kept us focused on the pastoral care that our staff deliver.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care chief executive, Clare Gallie said: “Jane was a wonderful person. I found her a huge support and appreciated her kindness and experience that she brought to the hospice.”

And Jane’s husband Rev Canon Nigel Lloyd said: “If Jane was with us this evening she would be slightly bemused at her award. It is very humbling to receive it and share memories with her friends, family and colleagues. She touched the lives of thousands of people in the community. We received so many cards when Jane died, many that started with ‘You don’t’ know who I am but…’ and it really put into perspective just how many people Jane was there for at a very poignant and a lot of the time difficult times in people’s lives.”

Closing the event Michael Dooley reflected on the memories of Jane: “We were very privileged to have her with us. She was a beautiful person, inside and out, with a heart of gold. Many people will be talking about Jane for a long time, in recognition of the great and valuable services she gave to the community.”

Jane’s eight-year-old granddaughter Keira Bendall summarised her feelings from being at the event by saying: “It makes my heart feel really warm and happy inside to hear everyone saying nice things about my granny. She always gave me lots of cuddles.”