An Alnwick resident has been presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her exceptional and selfless voluntary service over more than four decades.

Barbara Scrimshaw was awarded the honour at a special investiture ceremony at The Alnwick Garden by the Lord Lieutenant for the county, Dr Caroline Pryer.

The 93-year-old continues to fundraise for the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals), having done so for 45 years and raising in excess of £100,000, and she is still involved with the ‘Crafting for Cancer’ group in Alnwick.

She volunteered for more than 20 years with the RNLI, where her efforts were recognised through the award of a Silver Badge in acknowledgement of her devoted long service.

Barbara Scrimshaw was awarded the honour at a special investiture ceremony at The Alnwick Garden.

placeholder image — Barbara Scrimshaw was awarded the honour at a special investiture ceremony at The Alnwick Garden.

Barbara’s involvement reflected the same steady commitment and willingness to give her time. She has supported other charitable causes, including Guide Dogs and HospiceCare North Northumberland.

Her sewing, knitting, baking and crafting skills have been put to good use in all her fundraising over the years.

She and her late husband Brian, who was also highly skilled, used to have stalls selling all their wares – every penny of which went to their chosen charities.

In addition, come rain or shine Barbara would go to supermarkets, shopping centres and high streets fundraising with a bucket.

The Lord Lieutenant for the county, Dr Caroline Pryer, presented the British Empire Medal to Barbara.

The couple wanted to give something back after they accessed charitable veterinary services many years ago for their Sheltie dog, Shep, and so Barbara started with a counter-top collection box in her shop in the 1970s.

When they relocated to the east coast, Mr and Mrs Scrimshaw established the Bridlington Fundraising Group. Here, they continued to raise funds for the PDSA through regular raffles and tombolas, as well as making and selling homemade cakes and other crafts.

In 2017, they relocated to Alnwick to be closer to family. As well as their tombola and raffle stalls in local supermarkets and care homes, they began selling their handmade crafts through their son’s homeware and gift shop in Alnwick, donating the proceeds to PDSA.

Dr Pryer said: “I am delighted to present this medal to such a worthy and dedicated recipient.

“Barbara, alongside her late husband, gave up her time and worked incredibly hard to raise much-needed charitable funds. Her energy, dedication and effort has made an enormous difference to the causes she supported.”