Coronation champions

Three MND Association volunteers have been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as Coronation Champions, as part of the official Coronation celebrations.

Tracy Sanderson, Sue Starkey and Alex Millard were three of the 500 volunteers nationwide awarded the prestigious title. While Tracy and Sue were invited to celebrate at the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, Alex attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Tracy, an Association visitor (AV), chose to volunteer for the Association after her husband died of MND seven years ago. Tracy said: “It’s an honour to be named a Coronation Champion. At the West Yorkshire Branch, we work hard to support our members living with MND and all those connected to them, and to raise awareness of this dreadful disease.”

Like Tracy, Alex is also an experienced AV. She was nominated because of her tireless energy to go above and beyond, to make sure everyone affected by MND in Bristol and Bath are supported. Alex said: “I volunteer because of the inspirational care. I honestly don’t know how the Southampton and Winchester Group would have survived without her.” people I meet and being able to make a small difference to their lives. It makes volunteering rewarding and so worthwhile.” Having been involved with the Association for 20 years, branch secretary and treasurer Sue was recognised for being integral to the running of the West Yorkshire Branch. Speaking after the Coronation concert, Sue said: “It was truly amazing, what a fabulous atmosphere. Dancing and singing at our seats along with fellow Champions. The memory of the whole evening will stay with me for a long, long time.”