Antrim teacher commended at national awards ceremony
Wendy Strain with TV personality Kate Silverton at the MS Society Awards ceremony
ANTRIM teacher Wendy Strain has been highly commended at a national awards ceremony in London.
Wendy was one of three people shortlisted in the ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ category sponsored by Biogen Idec at the MS Society Awards.
She just missed out on the top title but the judges were so impressed with her efforts they decided to still reward and recognise her hard work.
Wendy, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2011 was nominated for her work in organising a ‘tasty treats’ event which was attended by over 100 people and raised more than £1000 for the MS Society.
Despite experiencing constant fatigue, pain and numbness - some of the symptoms of MS - Wendy coordinated a cookery demonstration, wrote a cook book and organised the ‘tasty treats’ event at the local school where she works as home economics teacher.
She also arranged for a demonstrator from the Northern Ireland Good Food company to attend the event and received sponsorship from the Antrim Borough Council.
Wendy said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be a finalist. It’s fantastic.
“When I was diagnosed, the MS Society was fantastic with providing me with the resources I needed and I really wanted to do something back to raise funds for them.
“Fundraising has opened many doors to letting people know more about MS.
“Next year I’d like to plan a tea party, and would involve my husband Paul who plays in a band.
“I really want to raise awareness about MS and since being diagnosed I’m now more determined that I was to make something of myself – what motivates me to keep doing this the thought that this could benefit someone else, who knows a cure may be found.”
Simon Jordan, Managing Director at Biogen Idec, said: “Biogen Idec has supported the MS Society’s MS Awards since they were first held in 2009.
“We are delighted to continue this support as the Society recognises the enormous and important contributions made by all the nominees to improve the lives of people with MS.”
The MS Society Awards were created to reward individuals and groups for their hard work in changing lives for people affected by MS.
The judges for the ‘MS Fundraiser of the Year’ award were looking for enthusiasm, innovation and success which are qualities they all found in Wendy Strain.
The MS Society Awards 2012, held in the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, attracted a number of famous faces including the Paralympic medallist Stephanie Millward, food critic and writer Jay Rayner, and Janis Winehouse.
They were hosted by the TV personality Kate Silverton.
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Wednesday 22 May 2013
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