AN INSPIRING campaigner who worked closely with the University of Worcester’s ‘Association for Dementia Studies’ (ADS) was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
June Hennell was recently rewarded with the MBE for working tirelessly to advocate excellence in the dementia care field, since her husband, Brian, was diagnosed in 2009.
She had worked alongside ADS to help launch the sponsorship of an annual award for students making a significant contribution to developing person-centred care.
Mr and Mrs Hennell were also part of the development of a new training resource for those working with people living with dementia and their families, titled ‘Stand by Me’.
Professor Dawn Brooker, director of ADS said: “We’re delighted to hear June Hennell has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. This is a richly deserved honour in recognition of June’s tireless work in campaigning for excellence in the dementia care field.
“June’s lovely husband, Brian, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2009. This was the same year as the ‘National Dementia Strategy’ and the same year ADS was launched.
“They showed such love for each other and such a positive attitude to the challenges life dealt them. Sadly, Brian lost his fight to cancer in July 2013.
“Since that time, June and her family have continued to advocate for people affected by dementia everywhere, from supporting local families, working with national bodies such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Department of Health, Royal College of Nursing, National Council for Palliative Care and being an active tutor and member of our LINK group.
“In memory of her husband, June has generously sponsored ‘The Hennell Award for Innovation and Excellence in Dementia Care’. The award recognises people who have made a significant contribution to promoting person-centred care and is open to everyone who has attended a course facilitated by ADS, or to those studying for a foundation degree in dementia studies at the University of Worcester.
“The third Hennell Award will be awarded in October 2016.”
