Alnwick resident's extensive fundraising efforts recognised with a BEM
An Alnwick resident was among those selected for a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the latest King’s Birthday Honours List.
Barbara Scrimshaw has been recognised for her exceptional, sustained and selfless voluntary service over more than four decades, making a significant and lasting contribution to charitable causes and to the wider community.
In that time, she has raised in excess of £100,000 for the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) £100,000 through sustained, hands-on effort.
Mrs Scrimshaw, who recently celebrated her 93rd birthday, remains actively engaged in fundraising.
She was instrumental in establishing the PDSA fundraising group in Bridlington, which she ran together with her late husband. What began as a small, local initiative developed into a highly effective and enduring fundraising operation over many years,
Alongside this, Mrs Scrimshaw and her late husband Brian regularly undertook street and supermarket collections over many years, often on a weekly basis and in all weather conditions.
Her role has been formally recognised by PDSA through her appointment as an ambassador. She was also nominated by the charity to attend a Royal Garden Party and has attended a number of significant events.
She contributed to the fundraising for the development of the Leeds PDSA Pet Hospital and the PDSA Pet Wellbeing Centre in Manchester, as well as their on-going operation and maintenance,
She prepared large quantities of goods for fundraising stalls – including cakes, preserves and other items, all produced personally. She organised and ran tombolas, for which every prize was individually sourced, and produced hand-made goods including knitwear, cushions and peg bags.
Mrs Scrimshaw 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.
Her involvement reflected the same steady commitment and willingness to give her time over many years. She has supported other charitable causes, including Guide Dogs and HospiceCare North Northumberland.
Despite experiencing significant health challenges, she continues to support PDSA and is also a member of a local group called ‘Crafting for Cancer’ in Alnwick, raising funds for Cancer Research UK.
Mrs Scrimshaw meets with the group once a week to produce hand-made items for sale at community events.