A Conon Bridge woman who has dedicated decades to working in aid of Save the Children has been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Patricia Holder started collecting for the charity back in 1981 when she was living in Doha, Qatar, with her husband who was in the oil industry.
While there she formed handicraft group for expatriate women from all different countries and through that arranged an annual bazaar with the proceeds going to Save the Children.
Over the years it is estimated that donations were well in excess of £7,000 with the cheque even being verified by the British Embassy
Mrs Holder also met the charity’s patron Princess Anne and was able to present her with a cheque in person for funds raised in Qatar.
On returning to the UK and settling in Conon Bridge in 1998 Mrs Holder immediately got involved in community life.
She joined the committee of the local Dingwall branch of Save the Children and has been active in helping to organise collections and street fairs.
She took over as chairwoman over 10 years ago and since then has raised a further £20,000 for the charity.
And at the age of 78 she still works for the charity and is currently planning the latest collection at Tesco’s in Dingwall.
Mrs Holder said: “I am quite surprised – yes it is quite an honour. I would still carry on doing it even if there was not any recognition – I would carry on until I could not do it anymore.
“I have been attached to the charity since I came back from abroad and I have been involved abroad as well – for a long time going back to Doha.”
