The 70-year-old grandmother will travel to York Minster for the ceremony on Maundy Thursday. She’ll be one of 85 people receiving Maundy money, which is traditionally given by the Queen to those who have served their church and community with distinction.

And those who know her say she’s a deserving recipient, having served as churchwarden, a member of Diocesan Synod, a Sunday School leader, and secretary to the local Good Neighbours group, through which volunteers help those who need it.

Ann, who lives in Warren Park and is churchwarden at St Clare’s Church there, believes it was part of God’s plan that she was confined to a wheelchair, forced to move house, started going to church and then experienced healing. Without that experience, she doesn’t believe she would be in line for this honour.

“I am absolutely elated and overjoyed,” she said. “It’s such an honour and I can’t understand why it’s me. I want to do a good job and not let anybody down. But it’s really exciting to be part of the Queen’s 60th year.”

Specially-produced Maundy money is given by the monarch to those aged over 70 who have helped their communities. The coins are specially produced in sterling silver by the Royal Mint. 

Each person is handed two small leather string purses by the Queen. A red one contains money in lieu of clothes and food. A white one contains Maundy coins. This year there will be 85p, in line with the Queen’s age.

Ann was originally baptised, confirmed and married in a church just outside Woking, but had moved to Waterlooville and slipped out of the churchgoing habit. She’d worked as a home help for social services for 20 years. But her world was turned upside down when she was seriously injured in an accident at a supermarket in 1989.

“I slipped on a grape and I did a bit of damage,” she said. “I fell over and injured my back. I had to give up work because I was in such pain. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t walk. There were times I had to get people to come and get me out of bed.”

Ann was confined to a wheelchair. Not only could she not work, but her husband Richard also had to give up work to care for her. They ended up losing their home and moved to Warren Park.

“We were given our current house and in a strange way it was a good thing,” said Ann. “It seems we were meant to be here. One day in about 1996, I said to my sister-in-law: ‘I’ve had enough of this. How about we go to St Clare’s Church in Warren Park?’ When we got there I knew everything would be okay. We were given a warm welcome and I’ve been there ever since.

“Bit by bit I thought I had to get out of the wheelchair. I don’t know if it was mind over matter but I know I had a lot of healing prayers. People were very kind, and it was the encouragement of the congregation and my darling husband that helped me to gradually leave it.

“I’m sure it was through the power of prayer that I was able to leave my wheelchair. I’m sure that God had my future mapped out. Maybe my accident was meant to be. I’ve always felt sure that God had something more for me to do.

“I couldn’t have done any of the things without the love and devotion and support of my husband Richard. I know I couldn’t have done anything without him by my side. Without him and the love of God, I may not have been invited to see the Queen in York.”

As well as her work with the Church, she’s also been a volunteer with Leigh Park, Warren Park and West Leigh Good Neighbours – a charitable support service for people in the community.

Those in need of a helping hand can benefit from help with their shopping, transport to hospital, the doctors and medical appointments, prescription collection – or simply a friendly face and a chat over a warm cup of tea. Ann is now the secretary and co-ordinates volunteers with those who need help. 

The chairman of Havant Good Neighbours, Geoff Paffett, said: “I am so pleased Ann has been nominated as a deserving person to receive the Queen’s Maundy money. She has worked tirelessly for both the Leigh Park Good Neighbours Group and the Havant Good Neighbours Group, as well as her work for the Church. 

“She has a heart for the elderly and infirm, willing to put herself out to help the group in their work for these less fortunate people in our community.”

The Rev Wendy Kennedy, Diocesan Secretary for Portsmouth diocese, said: “Ann is absolutely and unequivocally the most selfless and loving church member I know. She doesn’t have a great deal herself but will do anything – way way beyond the call of duty – lifts, shopping, caring, accompanying to hospital, comforting, visiting.”

And the Rev Jonathan Jeffery, vicar of Warren Park and Leigh Park, said: “She has a great sense of humour, she’s hard-working but relaxed, and is a people person – she gets on their wavelength and can engage with people well. She’s shown a real commitment to Warren Park and Leigh Park.”