Killyleagh woman receives BEM for her charity work

Killyleagh woman receives BEM for her charity work

3 June 2015

A KILLYLEAGH woman has received the British Empire Medal after being named on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her service to police welfare.

Elizabeth Palmer was awarded the medal at Hillsborough Castle last month for dedicating almost 40 years to the Downpatrick Voluntary Welfare Group, which provides support and social outings for police widows and pensioners.

She is also well known locally for her work with Cancer Research in Downpatrick for which she now volunteers after her retirement from the local shop where she was manageress for 19 years.

Elizabeth said she was surprised but delighted to learn that she was included on the list and was looking forward to receiving her medal from the Queen later in the year.

“I really enjoy working with the welfare group and find it rewarding to take part in outings where everyone is happy,” she said.

“Our members are retired and some have been bereaved during the Troubles.

“It is lovely to see their comradeship as some of our widows may not have the opportunity to go out or holiday alone and it gives them the opportunity to be involved with other people.”