Crieff woman awarded birthday honour

Jun 22 2012 by Katy Gordon, Strathearn Herald

Nancy Johnston was awarded a British Empire Medal

A CRIEFF woman has been recognised for over three decades’ work with an armed forces charity.

Nancy Johnston was given a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work with the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families' Association.

The Crieff woman has worked with the organisation, which helps veterans and their families, for over 30 years.

Both Nancy’s husband - who served in the army for over 35 years - and son were doctors with the Royal Army Medical Corps, strengthening her connection to the military.

She explained: “I have been 12 years at this branch and also over in Germany when my husband was stationed there.

Committee

“Over the years I have held all positions in the committee and was the branch secretary for Perth and Kinross for over eight years, sourcing money for veterans and their families.”

Although Nancy has given up the role of secretary she is still very involved with the charity.

But she is quick to add that it “wasn’t just me, I had a fantastic team of trained volunteers that I worked with”.

Over the years, the work undertaken by Nancy and her team raised over half a million pounds and helped 600 families.

And when her family heard that she was to be honoured for her tireless efforts, they were “thrilled”.

Nancy said: “My son, who recently returned from his second tour in Afghanistan, and his family came up from Birmingham for a wee party we had with some of the family and volunteers.”

And when asked what she would do with her medal when she received it, Nancy admitted that she didn’t know yet, but she “might get it framed”.

Nancy and her husband are also opera lovers and members of the Strathearn Music Society.