The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston, presented the volunteers of the organisation, Success After Stoke, with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) during the group’s annual Away Day at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on 27 July.
Suffolk has received a record breaking number of QAVS Awards this year, with five worthy organisations achieving the accolade. The Award is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, the equivalent of an MBE. The Awards were announced on 2 June and Success After Stroke are the first in the County to receive both the magnificent Chrystal and Certificate which is personally signed by HM The Queen.
Success After Stroke are based in Sudbury and their principal purpose is to help stroke survivors regain their confidence and rebuild their lives, by offering a range of therapies – physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and mental well-being; activities, for example art and pottery, computers, and outings providing for limited mobility; and guest speakers. This group has been running for 20 years and relies upon its 60 volunteers to be able to deliver its life changing therapies.
Mrs Viv Bourne, Trustee and Volunteer and Mr Richard Furlonger, Chairman, received the Award and Certificate from The Lord-Lieutenant. The Lord-Lieutenant commented “ Success After Stroke are a truly remarkable organisation. The group was founded just over 20 years ago and it was apparent to the assessors that the duty of care they offer is exceptional and without them, 80 stroke survivors in Suffolk and Essex would be left with no help to try to get their lives back. The volunteers really do go above and beyond. Success after Stroke is one of those rare organisations that completely transform the lives of all those it comes in contact with and that includes whole families. I am extremely proud to present you with this Award, on behalf of HM The Queen, today’.
