We are thrilled and delighted to congratulate Leslie Kay, a Trustee of The Fed, on being awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Older People in the Jewish community, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
For over 60 years, Leslie has been an ever-present figure, beginning with the Manchester Jewish Home for the Aged men’s committee in the 1960s.
He became Chairman of Heathlands Village in 1972, just as the home was preparing to move to its current site, and maintained his involvement for more than 45 years following.
More recently, Leslie was a pivotal figure in the merger of The Fed and Heathlands in 2009, and is currently Honorary Secretary and a Trustee of THE FED.
Leslie has served at various times as Secretary, Treasurer, Life Vice-President and Life Trustee, and is a much-loved figure, respected by all.
A regular face at Heathlands Village to this very day, Leslie has dedicated a lifetime of service to the community, and this award is richly deserved.
We wish Leslie, his wife Maureen, and their entire family, a hearty mazal tov, congratulations, and the thanks of many generations for whom he has helped to provide care. 
As humble as he is unassuming, Leslie remarked, “I am so proud of the organisation today – it has far exceeded any of my expectations. Obviously I am delighted and thrilled to bits, but I regard it as an acknowledgement for The Fed rather than for myself. I’ve been with the organisation for 60 years, and I see it as a great mitzvah.”
This acknowledgement of a lifetime’s dedication to others is thoroughly deserved, with Leslie rightly recognised by the Honours committee as “a stalwart volunteer.”
Congratulations, Leslie!