Fareham resident Betty Richards has given 50 years to helping out in the local community, through volunteering. In response the Prime Minister has given her a Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding individuals who have or who are making a difference to their community.
It was a delight to see Betty again, who has given so much to the local community through her voluntary work. She was uniquely chosen by The Prime Minister’s Point of Light team for her dedication to helping others. It was a real honour to present her with her award.
Betty said:
‘I’m delighted and honoured to receive this Points of Light Award from the Prime Minister Theresa May. It has been my life-long pleasure to serve my local community in Fareham for the past 50 years. I do what I do for the love it.’
Betty founded the Fareham Musical Society and the Fareham Macular Support group, as she also suffers with macular degeneration, a condition which causes loss of central vision the eyes. She abseiled down Spinnaker Tower to raise funds and awareness for the Macular Society last month.
The Prime Minister’s letter read:
‘Betty, I want to congratulate you on being the 772nd point of light. Your voluntary and fundraising work with the ‘Fareham Macular Support Group’, the ‘Macular Society’, and the ‘Fareham Musical Society’ is truly remarkable. The longevity of your volunteering means that you have had a positive impact on so many communities in Fareham and you should be proud of how many people you have helped in your local area. Recently Betty completed an abseil down Spinnaker Tower and raised nearly £2,000 for Fareham Macular Society and she also fundraised over £700 for the charity after manning a stall for six hours at a local supermarket.’