A man who ‘turned his life around’ after being diagnosed with an incurable illness has been crowned the 2014 Derry Pensioner of the Year.

John Nash received his award at a Gala Evening held at the Age Concern offices in Malvern House in Derry on Thursday evening.

The 64 year-old was nominated for the award by his fellow members of the Cosy Club, who described John as a ‘great role model and ambassador for other older people all over the city’.

Speaking to the Derry News, John, who is involved with a range of groups throughout the city, said that he was ‘honoured’ by not just the award, but by the nomination from his peers.

“I heard about a week ago that the Cosy Club had nominated me, and to be honest, I felt that I had already won because of what that means to me,” he said.

“I was diagnosed with an incurable blood illness six years ago, and I took to the drink after that.

“Thankfully, I managed to get my life back on track, and that was down to becoming involved with the Cosy Club, and a couple of programmes with the Ballymagroarty and Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) along with the likes of Billy Page.

“I also became involved with the Pink Panthers and the Pink Ladies groups, and they have made such a difference in my life, so I’m glad I can help them and other groups make a wee bit of difference in other people’s lives.”

Margaret Cunningham, Habinteg Housing Community Support Worker, who workS closely with the Cosy Club, said that John’s ‘caring and consideration’ for others was an ‘inspiration’.

“The members of the Cosy Club said that John is continually striving to initiate new community projects and events for older people in his area and further afield to help make life more enjoyable and indeed healthier for them,” she said.

“The members also said that John is caring, considerate and gives of his own time voluntary and never seeks reward or recognition for his efforts.”

Speaking at the gala evening, Roger O'Doherty, Secretary of Age Concern, said the organisation believed that the contribution of older people should be a crucial part of any community's social and economic life.

“It is vital in a healthy society that older people should be made to feel that they are vital facets of that society and that their opinions are valued and their experiences of life sought after and every opportunity should be taken to demonstrate this to 'older people’,” he said.

The award was presented by the President of Age Concern, Albert Smallwoods and Commendation Awards were presented to Robert Smyth and Bertha Algeo by Robert Dunseath, Chairman, who also thanked BT for their continued sponsorship of the event.

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