MBE awarded to Crewe Samaritan

Friday 6 January 2012

-For Immediate Release-

Dedicated Samaritans volunteer Julia Crookall from Nantwich has been made an MBE in the Queen’s New Years Honours list 2012.   

75-year-old Julia, who has been volunteering at the charity’s Crewe branch for over 43 years, was recognised for her voluntary service to Samaritans after being nominated by a fellow volunteer.

As well as helping people through their most difficult times by volunteering as a listener, Julia also raises funds to maintain the service, and over the years has been both its Chair and Director. She’s also taken an active role in recruiting other volunteers.

Julia Crookall said: “I find volunteering at Samaritans so rewarding, it’s fantastic to be in a position to support other people through their problems. I’m incredibly happy to have been awarded the MBE, which is a real honour for me, but also for the branch.”

Stephen Hoddell, Samaritans Chair said: “Julia is an absolute star, and over her 40 years with us will have helped countless people in distress who simply needed somebody to talk to. Her MBE is well-deserved, and on behalf of the whole charity I’d like to congratulate her on her achievements, and thank her for her hard work.”

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For more information please contact Samaritans’ press office: Claire Duncan on 020 8394 8345 or email c.duncan@samaritans.org 

Notes to editors:

Samaritans:

Samaritans is here for anyone feeling down and depressed or struggling to cope. Our volunteers are available 24/7 to offer confidential support by phone: 08457 90 90 90 (UK) or 1850 60 9090 (Republic of Ireland), email: jo@samaritans.org, or face-to-face. Visit http://www.samaritans.org/ for details of your local branch.