Professor Catherine E. Mason, HM Senior Coroner for Leicester, has been honoured in the national Muslim Community Service Awards for Outstanding Achievement.
The awards are an initiative of the Muslim Community Association, to recognise and celebrate individuals who have made a positive impact on Muslim communities.
Professor Mason has championed the use of non-invasive virtual autopsies, using MRI and CT scanning to determine cause of death. This approach provides greater dignity for the deceased and significantly reduces distress for grieving families across Leicester.
Her expertise and integrity, which won national recognition at the 2024 National Burial Council (NBC) Conference in Leicester, were central to this latest accolade.
Suleman Nagdi MBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire said: “This award could not be more richly deserved. Having had the privilege of working closely with Cathie since her appointment—through both my involvement with the Muslim Burial Council of Leicestershire and the NBC—I have been continually inspired by her extraordinary compassion and unwavering dedication to our communities when they need us most.
“Her service has been nothing short of exceptional, and we in Leicester are truly fortunate to have benefited from her remarkable commitment.”
Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “The award recognises Professor Mason's exceptional dedication, innovation, and leadership in coronial services. Her pioneering work has set a national benchmark, driving significant advancements – most notably her efforts to reduce the need for invasive post-mortem examinations.”
Professor Mason said: “I am deeply humbled and profoundly moved to receive this recognition. This award belongs not just to me, but to everyone who has walked alongside me on this remarkable journey. If my work has brought even a moment’s comfort to families during their darkest hours of grief, then every effort has been worthwhile”
The awards ceremony took place on 9 July, at the Royal Regency Hotel in London.