Foyle Down Syndrome Trust ‘over the moon’ with King’s Award

PICTURED ABOVE: The Vice Lord Lieutenant Alan Moore, OBE, presenting the King's Award for Voluntary Service to Laura Duddy and Benjamin Thompson, Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, in the Guildhall on Friday last. At back is Sgt. Niall Downey, Irish Guards. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The Foyle Down Syndrome Trust celebrated success at the Guildhall on Friday evening last, receiving The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, presented by the Vice Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry, Alan Moore, with the Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr hosting the event in the Great Hall.

Every day, millions of people across the UK are making a difference by volunteering and each year, outstanding examples of this work are celebrated through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) and this year the city and district has done very well picking up no less than seven awards with FDST receiving the fifth of this year’s presentations.

Created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and previously known as The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS), the Award has been shining a light on the fantastic work of voluntary groups from all across the UK for many years.

One of the highlights of Friday’s award ceremony was the musical performance on stage of two young musicians from the Trust - Conor and Bernard who brought the house down with Conor’s rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ and Bernard’s ‘Wild Mountain Thyme’ followed by both performing ‘Shoe The Donkey’ and ‘The Kerry Polka’. The duo was ably assisted by Josie Nugent from the FDST staff. 

IN PICTURES: Foyle Down Syndrome Trust celebrate King’s Award for Voluntary Service

Speakers on the night included the Mayor, Lilian Seenoi-Barr, the Trust’s chair, Angela Thompson, Sandra Adair (KAVS) and the Lord Lieutenant who paid tribute to the Trust on achieving their award which he said, was well deserved and wished all the very best for the future. 

"It was indeed a great honour to present the King’s Award tonight to a very worthwhile group, the Foyle Down Syndrome Trust. Christopher and his team do very deserving work and this award goes a long way to highlight the sterling achievements they continue set."

The King’s Award is the equivalent of an MBE.

Responding, Christopher Cooper, manager, FDST said he was delighted that the Trust has been recognised for their work and dedication and that everyone was ‘over the moon’ when they heard the good news.

"It is testament to all at Foyle Down Syndrome Trust that we’ve been recognised. A big well done to all."

At Friday’s reception, volunteer Amy Carlin spoke of how she got involved with the Trust, her ‘lovely’ experiences working with the young people and how FDST make a difference in the lives of everyone involved.

The Vice Lord Lieutenant presented the crystal to Laura Duddy and the certificate to Benjamin Thompson to loud applause from the main hall.

Afterwards, tea and refreshments were served.