Coin gift for Isobell’s decades as volunteer

A British Red Cross volunteer from Co Down has been awarded a special edition commemorative coin for her outstanding contributions to volunteering as the charity celebrates its 150th birthday.

Isobell Wilsdon from Bangor has been involved with the Red Cross as both a staff member and volunteer since 1971. She was previously awarded the OBE for her services to the humanitarian charity.

Even though Isobell was shielding at home she still signed up to volunteer for the charity’s Safe & Well helpline, calling a list of vulnerable people every week to offer them her unique brand of calm, kind emotional support.

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Commenting on the award, Isobell said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time with Red Cross and am so proud to be a member. It’s such a great honour to have been nominated! I’m going to display my coin with my lifetime achievement award which Red Cross gave me in January. I’ve told my daughter Audrey that I’m leaving the coin to her because she’s also a Red Cross member and a wonderful first aid trainer and I’m so proud of her.”

Isobell’s coin is one of 150 uncirculated £5 coins donated by the Royal Mint to British Red Cross volunteers and staff nominated by their colleagues for going above and beyond during the Covid-19 emergency.

Featuring bespoke artwork by Henry Gray, the coin bears the words ‘The Power of Kindness’ illustrating the organisation’s ethos of selflessness, compassion and goodwill.

From the Aberfan disaster to responding to an emergency every four hours in 2017, Red Cross staff and volunteers spring into action when crises hit.

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Earlier this year, when the coronavirus pandemic broke out, thousands joined the charity to support the most vulnerable.

The Red Cross has been at the forefront of the response to the coronavirus pandemic, supporting those hardest hit by providing practical and emotional support through their national support line, getting cash grants, food and other essential supplies to people in urgent need, and helping the NHS to transport patients safely home from hospital.

Since the start of the emergency Red Cross staff and volunteers in Northern Ireland have provided practical support to almost 10,500; delivering food parcels to over 7,000 people and over 1,035 prescriptions.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Mike Adamson said: “It’s all down to the dedication of our volunteers, staff and the generosity of our supporters that we can continue our lifesaving work.

“And it is the power of their kindness that will ensure we are there for those who need us most for many years to come.”