A CO Down pensioner has been awarded a special edition commemorative coin for her outstanding contribution to volunteering with the British Red Cross, as the charity celebrates its 150th birthday.
Bangor woman Isobell Wilsdon has been involved with the Red Cross as both a staff member and volunteer since 1971 and has previously been awarded an OBE for her services to the humanitarian charity.
The coin awarded to Isobell 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.
Even though she 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 emotional support.
Ms Wilsdon said she has "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," she said.
"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".
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.
The idea of connectivity is central to the coin’s design, with overlapping lines representing what can be achieved when people work together.
The edge inscription around the coin bears the powerful words `Per Humanitatem Ad Pacem' which translates to `Through Humanity To Peace'.
