Seven handed gongs for 2018
SELFLESS fundraisers, volunteers and community champions from North Wales have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Seven people who have helped to make the region a better place have been handed awards in the 2018 list, with police officers, charity fundraisers and community helpers all recognised.
An MBE has been awarded to North Wales Police officer DC Timothy John Bird for services to policing and the community in North Wales.
And another MBE was granted to Sergeant Scott John Gallagher of North Wales Police for services to Policing and the National Police Air Service.
Karen Jones, from Cheshire, was also awarded an MBE in the honours list after she helped set up the Northern Lights Children’s Charity which helps youngsters in North Wales and the North West who have life limiting illnesses the chance to go on the holiday of a lifetime.
A number of British Empire Medals [BEM] were also awarded to worthy recipients from the region.
Jenny Griffiths, 61, from Llay, who is chairman of the Maelor Voluntary Service [MVS], which helps raise vital funds for Wrexham’s hospital, has been recognised for her work.
MVS operates five cafes across the hospital site, and through this work the service generates funds which are donated to the hospital to purchase additional medical equipment.
Under her leadership, over the last four years the service has raised nearly £900,000.
William Robert Roberts, from Conwy, was also awarded a BEM for services to the community in Tyn-y-Groes.
Sheila Delahoy, 83, from Mold was also given a BEM for 25 years of selfless fundraising for Cancer Research UK and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust raising around £33,000.
As part of her fundraising activities Mrs Delahoy, alongside husband John, initially held coffee mornings at her home.
She built on the success of this which led to open house and garden events attended by colleagues, family and neighbours who donated gifts to sell.
Mrs Delahoy launched her fundraisers in 1984 to raise money for cystic fibrosis after her niece and god-daughter Bernice Banner was diagnosed with the chronic condition. She died in 2003.
Then in 1988, Sheila was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent successful treatment.
She raised funds jointly for the two charities until the pair moved back from larger fundraising events in 2008.
Mrs Delahoy said she had no idea the honour was to be bestowed on her.
She said: “It is overwhelming because it is quite a long time ago since I did the collections.
“I never thought I would get anything like that and I didn’t do it for any reward.
“I am very proud and honoured.”
Angeline Margaret Lawson, from Denbigh, was also awarded a BEM for services to children, the judiciary and the community in Denbighshire.
Chairwoman of the Central North Wales bench, she has been a magistrate since 2006, and also volunteers at community groups in and around Henllan. She also spends time going to schools and colleges to educate young people about the consequences of criminal behaviour.
The 57-year-old company director at Lawson Civil Engineering said: “I got a letter in November about the award but was asked to keep it quiet.
“That was difficult because I have three adult children but when I did tell them they were absolutely m made up for me.
“Anything I do is as part of a group, w we all work together and this award is in r recognition of that.
“I went to the Palace two years ago because of my work.
“It was lovely to be there but it rained that time and we didn’t get to see the gardens, hopefully we will get to see them this time.
“I’m so honoured to received the award.”