We are incredibly proud to celebrate Deborah Monk, founder of Forgotten Feet and one of Maggs Day Centre’s longest-serving volunteers, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours for her extraordinary work supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Debi has volunteered at Maggs for many years, providing vital podiatry care to people who often have nowhere else to turn. For many of our guests, Debi is the only person who has looked after their feet in years — easing pain, preventing infection, and restoring mobility that most of us take for granted.
What began as Debi noticing people at Maggs struggling to walk, in pain, wearing ill-fitting or wet footwear, grew into Forgotten Feet — a service that has quite literally changed lives. In many cases, it has saved them.
But Debi’s work has never just been about podiatry.
It’s about dignity.
It’s about compassion.
It’s about listening without judgement and making people feel seen, valued, and human.
Foot care might sound small to some, but for someone sleeping rough or living in extreme poverty, untreated foot problems can be devastating — leading to serious infections, hospital admissions, or the inability to move safely. Debi understands this deeply, and she treats every person she sees with care, patience and respect.
Her recognition in the New Year Honours could not be more deserved. Debi embodies everything Maggs stands for: kindness, humanity, and practical support delivered with compassion.
We are so grateful for everything Debi has given to Maggs and to the people who use our services, and we are honoured to work alongside her.
Congratulations, Debi — and thank you for everything you do 💚
