An AWARD-winning charity volunteer who dedicated over 50 years of her life to Muscular Dystrophy UK, has passed away in hospital at the age of 93.
Nacny, who lived in Dorridge with husband Peter, who survives her, died on February 27.
The kind-hearted couple had been involved with Muscular Dystrophy UK since it was established in 1959 watching it grow from the humble roots of a local Birmingham group running informal coffee mornings and fundraising activities into the national charity that it is today.
One of the founders of the charity was a Birmingham businessman Joseph (Joe) Patrick who lived quite close to the Andrews’ in the Birmingham area.
Joe Patrick had a son Andrew with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who died when he was just 13 and Nancy and her husband responded to his call for people to help the new charity.
Their response was the start of over half a century of fundraising for the charity which funds leading world-class research and supports the 70,000 families throughout the country who are affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions.
Robert Meadowcroft, Chief Executive of Muscular Dystrophy UK, paid tribute to Nancy on behalf of the charity.
He said: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the death of Nancy Andrews, who has been a treasured supporter of our charity. Nancy’s success in raising funds has underpinned the charity’s research programme and our work in care and support.
“The level of compassion and understanding showed by Nancy throughout her life was remarkable and we are proud that the charity was such a major part of Nancy’s life for more than 50 years.”
Nancy was the organisational anchor who managed the Christmas card sales that have been a valuable source of income for the charity from the outset.
At times, the Andrews’ allowed their own home and the garage to be used as a mini-warehouse for Christmas cards for Muscular Dystrophy UK.
They ran an ice skating gala in Solihull every year for 21 years, and helped at every fundraising event in their area.
The Solihull branch was the first provincial fundraising group to be formed, and other areas soon followed suit.
Mr Meadowcroft added: “All of us at the charity have huge respect and affection for Nancy and husband Peter for their outstanding contribution.
“We have been so fortunate to have had their focused support over such a period and Nancy’s commitment, dedication and tireless devotion to our cause deserves to be recognised.
“Her husband Peter has been recognised with the award of an MBE in 1998 for services to the charity but Nancy is fully deserving of recognition in her own right.
“We recognised Nancy’s contribution (with her husband Peter) in 2006 by giving them an inaugural President’s Award for their outstanding commitment and fundraising success.
“They have played a huge role in the fight to beat muscular dystrophy.”
The family have asked for donations to Muscular Dystrophy UK, 61A Great Suffolk Street, London, SE1 0BU.
