On the 18th November our president Sue Cartwright along with committee member Jan Thompson attended the "2015 the Living and Ageing Well in Surrey Awards" where Jan received a certificate and a plaque as joint winner in the "People's Choice (Volunteer)" category. The awards ceremony was held at Martineau Hall, Dorking Halls, Dorking between 4.00pm and 6.00pm. The picture to the left shows Jan holding her plaque and certificate.

Jan describes in her own words the work for which she given the award:

l have been with Farnborough and District Aphsia Group for 14 years running the group as Secretary. My aim has always been to help people with Strokes and Aphsia, l run three sessions a month, group meetings, pub lunches and various trips on Fridays. It's very rewarding for both the the Stroke Victims/Carers who need our help everyday.

l myself had 2 strokes in 1980 at the age of 32 years old and with a very young family of 3 boys who were 10 years 8 years and 4 years old at the time and l had a wonderful husband and family to support me as there was no groups around in 1980 to do so. l went to the Stroke Association group when its started in 1982 and went on to be a volunteer for 30 years.

l was lucky as many people have no support from anyone, meeting up with our group has given them friendships that support them through all their illnesses and problems. Strokes and Aphsia people need to be able to gain the skills of talking, communication and socializing again plus the Carers need to be looked after and helped as well.

I really enjoy all my work as a Volunteer for Farnborough Speakability and was very proud to have received the award for "Living and Ageing Well People's Choice" joint winner.