We are delighted that staff and volunteers have been recognised in the Queen’s New Years Honours list for 2020. The list recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom. Congratulations to all those recognised.
Nick Cann, our Stroke Ambassador, has received a British Empire Medal for services to stroke survivors and his charity work. Nick suffered a major stroke in 2013, impairing his speech, mobility, and independence. Determined not to be defeated, he has dedicated his life to raising awareness of stroke and tirelessly fundraising
With our charity, he set up the Phoenix Project in his native Monmouthshire, to provide a longer-term support service for stroke survivors through meet-ups and help in getting back to work.
And after making improvements in his own mobility and speech, Nick has also fundraised tirelessly for the project. His achievements include a 108-mile cycle ride from Cardiff to Tenby, and 10-kilometre races, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the charity. He is also a proud member of the local Strike a Chord choir, made up of stroke survivors.
Barry Macaulay, our Northern Ireland Director for Stroke Support, received a BEM in recognition of his commitment to Disability Sports. The medal recognises the positive contribution that Barry has made to the disability sports sector in Northern Ireland over a period of 27 years. Barry’s passion and dedication has made a significant impact, providing lots of new opportunities for people with a disability to get involved in sports. Barry has also provided strong strategic input for strengthening Disability Sport NI and other disability sports organisations and clubs, as well as advising on policy affecting the provision of disability sports in Northern Ireland.
Barry was overwhelmed to be named on the New Year Honours List commenting, “This truly is a great honour and one that I will be very proud to receive. I have always been deeply passionate about supporting people with a disability and creating opportunities for people with a disability and long term health conditions to get involved in sport and active recreation."
It's also wonderful to see that two of our amazing celebrity supporters, Floella Benjamin and Rudolph Walker have been named in the list for their charity work. Vanessa Langford, our Stroke Association Artist Liaison Manager, said: "They really do make the world a sunnier place not just for us, but so many other charities.”
Juliet Bouverie, our CEO, has also been awarded the OBE for services to stroke survivors. Juliet said: "I was incredibly shocked and honoured to be recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. This is an important milestone in recognising stroke as one of the biggest health challenges of our age.”
“Our charity wouldn’t be where it is today without the incredible support of our network of staff, volunteers and the health and social care professionals we work with. It takes a team to rebuild lives after stroke and this award is in recognition of everyone’s amazing work, not just mine.
“We have made huge strides in raising awareness of stroke and making stroke the priority that it needs to be. But there is still much more we all need to do to support everyone affected by stroke, working together to improve people’s lives. I am committed to making this happen."