Queen’s medal honour for devoted community worker Nan

One of the nation’s highest accolades has been awarded to leading Blackburn volunteer Nan Goodall.

Nan was given the Queen’s British Empire Medal for her years of community work in Blackburn and Darwen, especially for setting up Blackburn with Darwen Carer’s Service.

The British Empire Medal is awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community that has made a significant contribution to people’s lives.

She became the first trustee of the service in 2004, using her drive and persistence to get support and funding to start it up. Nan became Chair of the Trustees in 2007 up to 2016.

As a carer for and elderly parent and later her husband, Nan knew first-hand the difficulties and struggles that carers face. Over the years Nan has been the driving force in the services ongoing development and growth to become the main provider of support to carers within Blackburn with Darwen.

Nan has been a tireless community stalwart and in the borough for decades. Before founding the Carer’s Service, she set up Ewood’s first Community Organisation in the early 1990s at the same time Ewood Park Football Stadium was being developed. Nan was pivotal in starting and running the group, working with local people, community workers and local councillors.

She was also the Ewood Church facilities group founder and caretaker and helped set up Blackburn with Darwen Photography Group, where she is currently treasurer.

Nan was nominated for a UK National Honour by Sam Morris CEO and Michelle Ellis now Chair at Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service.

Harry Catherall, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, who has worked closely with Nan over the years, said:

Nan is a great inspiration to us all. She has always worked incredibly hard for all the people of this borough, despite her own caring commitments and responsibilities.

Her dedication and drive are truly inspiring and I am so pleased she has been awarded this wonderful accolade. It is truly deserved.”

Nan said she was “absolutely thrilled to bits” to be receiving her British Empire Medal, which will be awarded in September 2017 at Lancaster Cathedral. Her five children and their partners will be there to see their mum receive this National Honour.

Nan is no stranger to nominations and was nominated by Richard Marshall, Vicar at St Barthlomew’s Church Ewood to be a recipient of Maundy Relief monies for her services. Nan was presented with these in April 2014 from the Queen during her historic visit to Blackburn Cathedral.