Council hosts reception for local ME and Fibromyalgia charity

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: News; Published: 31 October 2022

Lord Lieutenant for Armagh, The Earl of Caledon KCVO JP awarded The Queen' Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) to Joan McParland founder and co-ordinator of Hope 4 Me and Fibro NI l-r Mrs Jill Armstrong DL, Lord Lieutenant The Earl of Caledon KCVO JP, Joan McParland and Linda Campbell Chairperson, Health care professional educational advisor for Hope 4 Me and Fibro N.Ireland.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage has hosted a reception for Bessbrook based Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI to mark the honour of their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The group raise funding for Bio-Medical research, liaise with all major ME and Fibromyalgia charities and highlight awareness.

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Every year outstanding examples of volunteering excellence are celebrated through the award. Created in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service are the highest awards given to local voluntary groups in the UK and are the equivalent of an MBE. Recent awards continue to be issued following the death of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Chairman Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Councillor Michael Savage hosted a reception for the presentation of The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, back row l-r David Rainey DL, Colonel H.K. McAllister OBE TD DL VR, Karen Calder BA patient member, David Campbell patient member, Council Chairman Councillor Michael Savage, Holly Maxwell patient member, Anne Norrie volunteer advisor, Sandra Adair MBE NI representative for Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, Joan McParland’s Mum May Patton, Councillor David Taylor, front seated Linda Campbell Chairperson Hope 4 Me & Fibro NI and Joan McParland Founder and co-ordinator of the charity.

Lord Lieutenant of Co Armagh, The Earl of Caledon KCVO JP, attended the reception to present the award to Joan McParland from Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI, stating that it was an honour to finally be able to hand over the award to the group following the pandemic. Also in attendance were Deputy Lieutenants David Reaney and Jill Armstrong along with Sandra Adair MBE, Northern Ireland representative for Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Councillor Savage said, “Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI would not be possible without its founder member, now Treasurer, Joan McParland, who herself is a patient. Along with other patients and volunteers, they continue to support those who feel alone in suffering with these conditions, raising awareness and offering support within our community.

“As Joan’s work began in our district, we as a Council are immensely proud indeed that Hope 4 ME and Fibro NI are receiving this, the highest of awards given to voluntary groups.”

The Chairperson also made a presentation to the charity on behalf of the Council following their success in attaining the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.