Buckley volunteer honoured with British Empire Medal
A Buckley woman who has dedicated more than 60 years to the British Red Cross has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year Honours list.
Barbara Thomas, 76, began volunteering with the charity at the age of 11 and is now an emergency response volunteer based in Wrexham.
Over the decades, she has worked across event first aid, casualty simulation, fundraising and anti-trafficking, and is now a valued member of the emergency response team.
Barbara’s kindness was particularly evident in 2012 when she supported hundreds of residents affected by the devastating floods in St Asaph.
“I’m very proud to have been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to charity after all of these years with the British Red Cross,” said Barbara.
“As volunteers, we work hard to help people who have faced the hardest challenges in life and it’s always special for that to be recognised.”
A respected trainer, Barbara has adapted first aid courses for neurodiverse attendees, taught life-saving techniques to the public, and trained fellow volunteers in emotional support.
She also played a key role in the Wrexham Welfare Support Project, a partnership with North Wales Police and local health services, aimed at helping ensure the community had safe nights out.
“The common thread between all of the brilliant volunteers I’ve worked with over the years at the British Red Cross is the kindness and compassion shown while carrying out the work and helping others,” she added.
“This award also reflects the dedication and hard work of the whole Emergency Response team I’ve been privileged to work alongside – it truly is a collective achievement.
“Throughout the last six decades, I’ve worked in so many different areas of the British Red Cross and had a chance to see how big an impact our work has on communities.”
British Red Cross chief executive Béatrice Butsana-Sita said: “Barbara is a fantastic ambassador for the British Red Cross and I am delighted that she has been recognised for her service with a British Empire Medal.
“For over six decades, Barbara has been a huge part of our work in Wales, making her mark in numerous services. In 2012 during the St Asaph floods, she displayed incredible kindness and humanity while supporting people who were affected by the incident.
“Barbara is a fantastic example of the brilliant staff and volunteers that support our vital work and I’d like to congratulate her on the well-deserved recognition.”
Picture: Chris Bethell / British Red Cross
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