30 year’s service for volunteer

A Carrick woman has been recognised for her remarkable 30 year’s service with the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Association.
Anne McDowell from Carrickfergus receives a Volunteer Award for more than 30 years of dedicated service from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Strokes Governance Board member Ann Hayes. INCT 36-709-CONAnne McDowell from Carrickfergus receives a Volunteer Award for more than 30 years of dedicated service from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Strokes Governance Board member Ann Hayes. INCT 36-709-CON
Anne McDowell from Carrickfergus receives a Volunteer Award for more than 30 years of dedicated service from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Strokes Governance Board member Ann Hayes. INCT 36-709-CON

Anne McDowell, from Shore Road in the town, began volunteering with the organisation’s local support group over three decades ago - and she has never looked back.

“I’d raised my own son and daughter so I found myself at a loose end,” Anne told the Times.

“I thought about using my time to do some volunteering; I got in touch with the Chest Heart and Stroke Association, had an interview and they accepted me.”

Anne was presented with the service award at a NICHS event in June this year.

Her main role revolves around the local support group, which meets on a weekly basis at Carrickfergus Amphitheatre.

“There are about 28 people involved with the club and there’s quite a big age range.

“Mainly we organise activities, like crafts or bowls, days out at Easter or Christmas, things like that. They’re a very jolly crowd,” Anne added.

“There are still a lot of people in Carrickfergus who aren’t award that there is a stroke group in the town.

“It’s open to anyone although they do have to be assessed first.”

Earlier this year, members of the weekly club took participated in a ‘sponsored stroll’ at the leisure centre’s Concordia Suite, raising over £1,110 for the Baby Hearts Appeal.

“It’s a very vibrant group and you can learn a lot from eachother,” Anne said.

“It’s great help for the members to be able to stay active and it’s good for their carers too to get that small break every week.”

However, the Carrick grandmother of three has no intention of taking a break from the organisation herself any time soon. “I’m quite independent and I still drive so I’d like to keep at it as long as I can,” she said.

“I find it very satisfying and I have always really enjoyed it.

“Thirty years seems a long time, but believe it or not there are actually people involved with Chest Heart and Stroke who have been there for 40 years or more.”

A spokesperson for CHS said: “NICHS would like to pass on their most heartfelt thanks for Anne’s hard work and commitment over the years.”

The Carrickfergus Chest Heart and Stroke Association group meets every Tuesday morning at the leisure centre.

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