Two SSAFA volunteers from Bishop Auckland are among four County Durham residents who have been recognised for outstanding service to their communities. Mike Donne and Ruth Wright, as well as Lesley Smith and Brian Nichol, have all received Durham County Council’s Chairman’s Medal.
Mike and Ruth, who are also the branch president and divisional treasurer for the South West Durham division of SSAFA, and founders of the Bishop Auckland Veterans’ Group, have been recognised for their invaluable work on behalf of veterans and serving personnel and their families in the region. They have both dedicated their lives to supporting the Armed Forces community and have become a vital lifeline of hope and support for so many, especially for those going through challenging circumstances.
The medal is the highest honour that the council award to individuals and organisations for outstanding voluntary contributions to the county. The council’s current Chair, Cllr Joan Nicholson, awarded the medals on behalf of her predecessor Cllr Beaty Bainbridge, who chose the winners soon before she passed away in February.
School secretary, Lesley, was the driving force behind the Dare to Dream project, which saw decommissioned railway carriages turned into an extra special learning environment for the children at Kirk Merrington Primary School. Growing pupil numbers at the school meant it could no longer have a dedicated space for a library. Lesley reached out to Network Rail who donated two railway carriages and, through her hard work and tenacity, she fundraised to transform the trains into a library and a wellbeing hub.
Brian has dedicated his life to helping the people of Newton Aycliffe. He has raised thousands of pounds for the Great North Air Ambulance through his charitable fundraising efforts, including setting up his home as a winter wonderland that delighted families for many years. He has also been an integral part of the Pioneering Care Centre, volunteering as a driver, ensuring that those less able could attend vital appointments. Now, in his 80s, Brian has been offering his skills as a photographer to people in need who may not be able to afford to capture their special moments.
Cllr Joan Nicholson, Chair of Durham County Council, said: “It was an honour to be able to present the medals on behalf of my friend Beaty. Thank you and well done to all of the recipients, the awards are so well deserved. It is inspiring to see how these individuals have truly dedicated their time to helping others across the county.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
