Rhona receives a BEM

Rhona Dunn has been recognised for her contribution over many years in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

She was one of the people who played a big part in the response to the major flood in the town in September 2008. In addition to running the furniture depot with the Rotary members, she offered administrative services.

Rhona went on to join Morpeth Rotary Club and in 2015, she became its first female president.

She was involved with the Boys’ Brigade for more than 40 years, including many years working in the Morpeth Company.

Rhona is currently chairman of Contact Morpeth Mental Health and she has done a range of fund-raising activities over the years for this charity and others.

She said: “I have been involved with asylum seekers since they started arriving in Ashington to live – it has been a privilege to just be there for support and help with money, grants and education.

“I helped set-up Morpeth Sanctuary where we try and help those trying to get citizenship. I’ve organised parties for the families in Contact Morpeth Mental Health and they are so grateful you feel very humble.

“I was involved with Barnabas for a lot of years and chair for two years.

“I recently resigned, having so much other work on that I did not feel I was doing justice to the job, but as a charity I will always have strong feelings for it and will support if I can.

“I feel really honoured to be given a BEM and very humbled, as I am sure lots of people do voluntary work and do not get recognised.

“I would like to thank all those who have supported me over the years and I could not have managed without the assistance I get from my husband Jim, who has always been there supporting me, picking me up from railway stations, airports or getting me to where I needed to be.”

Those who have paid tribute to Rhona include friend Alison Byard, Morpeth town councillor and two-time Mayor.

She said: “Rhona is highly respected and loved by the people of Morpeth for the many and varied charities and groups she has worked for and assisted over many years – including Morpeth Methodist Church, where she is a committed member.

“She is a true Christian who lives out her belief in working for others less fortunate than herself. I am delighted that she has received the British Empire Medal as recognition for her wonderful community service.

“Among the many events I have enjoyed with Rhona were the two sleepouts in the Market Place with Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Caroline Pryer in aid of homelessness charity Crisis and Changing Lives, which supports vulnerable people.

“These were tiring and cold, but great fun in Rhona's company.”