BEM honour for local Alzheimer’s volunteer

Local Alzheimer’s Society volunteer Margaret Gurney has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to the community in Ballymena and Antrim.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2015, 09:38 BST
Members of the Ballymena & Antrim Alzheimer's Society committee at a tea party and balloon launch - just one of the many events which the committee have staged since its formation. Margaret Gurney (centre) with Jackie Fullerton.Members of the Ballymena & Antrim Alzheimer's Society committee at a tea party and balloon launch - just one of the many events which the committee have staged since its formation. Margaret Gurney (centre) with Jackie Fullerton.
Members of the Ballymena & Antrim Alzheimer's Society committee at a tea party and balloon launch - just one of the many events which the committee have staged since its formation. Margaret Gurney (centre) with Jackie Fullerton.

Margaret (70), from the Cullybackey Road, has been recognised for her outstanding work and commitment to help raise awareness, funds and offering support to those who are diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Margaret became involved after her husband passed away following a battle with the disease.

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This prompted Margaret and her daughter Valerie Guthrie to establish a ‘support for dementia’ group in Ballymena and Antrim.

Valerie, who has since become the borough’s dementia support worker, spoke to the Times of her great pride at the award her mother has received.

She said: “We are over the moon, she is a real ambassador for the society.

“She is one of the top class volunteers and as well as helping to organise fund raisers, she has helped so many people get through their journey with dementia.”

Related topics:BallymenaAntrim