A retired Irvine school teacher has finally received her British Empire Medal (BEM) – after Covid restrictions put a stop to the presentation celebrations.
Margaret Cook was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List after her tireless fundraising efforts for Ayrshire Hospice.
Selfless Margaret was awarded at the Riverside Hotel on Friday by the Queen’s representative in Ayrshire and Arran, Lord-Lieutenant Iona McDonald.
She said: "It was a lovely, hot day and The Riverside did us proud; I would've loved to have had it in the Burns club as I'm a member but as it's closed until October, the Riverside were able to accommodate us and it meant my kids and grandkids could come too.
"I was overwhelmed. It really is a beautiful medal and it was so nice to have my family there."
The mum-of-three and gran-of-four initially thought her BEM award was a spoof when she first found out.
Margaret added: "I found out during lockdown via email and I thought it had been a spoof from one of my son's friends. I nearly didn't open it.
"When I realised it was real my legs felt like jelly – and I wasn't allowed to tell anyone until after 10pm on Hogmanay because that's when the London Gazette publish the list. It was hard to keep it a secret."
Margaret has been involved with the Ayrshire Hospice ladies lunch club for more than 20 years; serving as president for a decade between 2009 and 2019.
"The only reason I was president for so long was because I couldn't get anyone else to take it off of my hands," laughed Margaret.
"I can always remember at an annual event, the current chair at the time nonchalantly asking me if I'd be willing to take it over I nearly died.
"It was pleasure to do it, it's a wonderful place and the care they give is unbelievable.
"A huge refurb is in hand and, of course, with all the events being cancelled since Covid it's been hard.
"But they're getting there and raised more than half of what they need. Soon every patient will have a single room with patio doors, decking area and en suite. It's going to be wonderful."
Vice-chair of Ayrshire Hospice Elizabeth Morton said: "We were delighted to hear that Margaret’s work for the Ayrshire Hospice had been recognised in this way.
"We are truly grateful for the many years of dedicated activity that she undertook all for the benefit of the patients of the hospice and for their families and carers. Margaret really did “Make Today Matter” for everyone!”
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
