Durham County Council Chairman’s Medal awarded for ‘extraordinary efforts’

09 June 2023

SSAFA Durham volunteers Mike Donne and Ruth Wright – respectively the Branch President and Divisional Treasurer for the South West Durham Division, and founders of the Bishop Auckland Veterans’ Group – have been recognised for their invaluable work on behalf of veterans and serving personnel, and their families, in the region by the Chair of Durham County Council.

Cllr Joan Nicholson awarded the Chairman’s Medal, and in her citation, she described them as “… a vital lifeline of hope and support for so many, especially for those going through challenging circumstances”.

Mike said of the award: “For Ruth and me, it was a very humbling but proud day.

“While we’re the founders and organisers of the Veterans’ Group, this award took in all the other work that we do for SSAFA, such as casework, as well as our working relationships with all the businesses that help raise the profile of SSAFA.

“At our AGM, I was presented with my 20-year certificate and Ruth her 10-year certificate, so Chair’s Medal was the icing on the cake.

“However, none of this would be possible without the team of volunteers who give us so much help to make our work in SSAFA effective as well as raising the profile locally.”

For more information, including how to access support, or volunteer or fundraise for the UK’s oldest tri-service charity, visit ssafa.org.uk/durham.