LATEST NEWS

Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI Receives Prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2021

Hope 4 ME & Fibro N.I. Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - Marked by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council

In June 2021, the charity was honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, with Special Designation, the highest accolade given to local voluntary groups across the U.K. This award, is an MBE for volunteer groups, recognising the outstanding contributions made by volunteers in their communities, it is awarded for life.

The charity was awarded the additional Special Designation, for providing impactful support to their community during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.

This Special Designation was awarded for ensuring nutritious meals—including Christmas dinners—were delivered straight to patients’ homes all across the Province, along with heating, extra care, and essential living costs. This vital support was made possible thanks to the Charities Aid Foundation’s Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

The continuing pandemic delayed the official awards ceremony in Newry until October 2022. When we were finally able to gather, it was a proud moment to see our volunteers’ tireless efforts formally recognised with this national honour.

In May 2022 our incredible volunteers were represented at the Queen's Award, Buckingham Palace Garden Party by our then Chair, Linda Campbell, and Dr. William Weir our dedicated Medical Advisor.

In October 2022, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage hosted a civic reception for the Bessbrook based charity.

The event was attended by our Founder Joan McParland, May Patton (Joan’s Mum) Linda Campbell and son David, Anne Norrie and daughter Hollie, Karen Calder, Councillor David Taylor, and Northern Ireland representatives for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service - to mark this honour in the Council District.

The Lord Lieutenant of Co Armagh, The Earl of Caledon, presented the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service certificate and engraved trophy, and we were also honoured with a beautiful engraved vase from the Council to mark this achievement.

Read the Council’s official announcement on their website. Here

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services is a lasting tribute to the dedication and resilience of every single volunteer in Hope 4 ME & Fibro N.I., who gives their time and heart to our cause.