Antrim teacher in finals of ‘Fundraiser of Year’
Wendy Strain is a finalist in the MS Society Awards for the category of Fundraiser of the Year sponsored by Biogen Idec.
LOCAL teacher, Wendy Strain is a finalist in the MS Society Awards for the category of ‘Fundraiser of the Year’ sponsored by Biogen Idec.
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 cooked chicken curry, baked gammon and orange sauce, Jamaican vegetables, beans and rice and banana bread. All food and samples for the audience were provided free of charge from NI Good Food.
Wendy is described by her husband, Paul Strain who nominated her for the Award, to have, ‘such an attitude of gratitude and looks at what she can do not what she can’t.’
He went on to say: “Wendy is an example of how life can be lived to the full even with MS. She reassures and supports those with MS and has raised awareness with those in the school she works in.”
Speaking about her nomination, Wendy said: “My husband is a great source of strength and encouragement. He is fully aware of the daily battles I face with my symptoms. I was surprised but thrilled that he nominated me for this award.
“I have always been a positive person and in many ways having MS provided the motivation to get on with it and do more in spite of MS. I wanted to raise awareness of the condition, the work of the MS society and vital funds for research as well as use my love of Home Economics and teaching.
“I was delighted when Year 13 pupils at Antrim Grammar School completing a certificate in personal effectiveness (COPE) agreed to a fundraising evening. Credit must be given to these girls who played a central role.”
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.
An estimated 100,000 people have MS in the UK however there’s currently no cure and the cause remains uncertain.
The MS Society Awards were created to reward individuals and groups for their hard work in changing lives for people affected by MS.
Simon Gillespie, Chief Executive of the MS Society, said: “The MS Society Awards recognise and celebrate the dedication and hard work of people like Wendy Strain who are the shining stars of the MS community. We are delighted that she has reached the final for the ‘MS Fundraiser of the Year’ award and we look forward to welcoming her to our awards ceremony in September.”
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 final will take place at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, London on Tuesday, September 25.
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Saturday 18 May 2013
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