A FORMER teacher from Altrincham said she was ‘pleasantly surprised’ to be honoured with a British Empire Medal for her decades of dedicated charity work.

Jackie Granger Brown has been recognised in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours list for her outstanding long service and fundraising commitment to The Children’s Society.

Jackie, who chairs The Children’s Society fundraising committee in Altrincham, has been tirelessly raising vital funds along with a committee for more than 30 years.

She said: “It has been a pleasure to serve as part of such a great team of volunteers to raise vital funds to help children. I can honestly say that they have been wonderful and are always willing to help with our latest fundraising venture. A highlight for me is hearing our house filled with music, gathering the local community and raising money to make a difference to children’s lives.”

During her 34 years on the committee, Jackie has helped raise £250,000 for The Children’s Society, which supports the most vulnerable children in society.

Every year, Jackie and her husband Martin open their home to host music recitals and garden parties, and the committee regularly works to organise various fundraising events such as quizzes, bridge afternoons, coffee mornings and raffles.

“Being on the committee has been a great opportunity to make firm friends and feel part of something worthwhile,” said Jackie. “I remember the first day I attended as a newcomer, looking for a way to make a difference and use my time wisely. I’ve never looked back, and it’s a great opportunity for anyone new or longstanding in the area to feel welcomed, connected and productive. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped to achieve such great things for such a great cause.”

Matthew Reed, The Children’s Society’s chief executive, said: “Jackie thoroughly deserves to be honoured for her hard work and dedication towards the work of The Children’s Society. We are so grateful to Jackie, the Altrincham committee and thousands of other volunteers around the country who form such a vital part of our mission to change children’s lives. People like Jackie often go uncelebrated, but they deserve to be warmly thanked for all they do.”

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with the Altrincham group, call regional fundraising manager Sarah Shelton on 0182 728 2740 or visit childrenssociety.org.uk/volunteer.