A LONG-SERVING community champion says she was “surprised, shocked and so pleased” after realising she had been named in the New Year’s Honours List.

Marjorie Culham, 76, from Dedham, has been issued a British Empire Medal by King Charles for voluntary and charitable services to people with visual impairments.

She has been a volunteer for Guide Dogs for the Blind for a staggering 60 years, starting out as a fundraiser before becoming a public speaker for 45 years.

Over the last 35 years marvellous Marjorie, who is the chairman of the charity’s Stour Valley branch, has also raised 31 puppies on their journeys to becoming guide dogs.

Gazette:

During her incredible stint representing the non-profit organisation, she has regularly organised raffles and visited fairs, fetes and events to raise cash.

Speaking about the moment she found out her life-long efforts had been honoured, Marjorie said: “I was checking my emails. I was surprised, shocked and so pleased.

“My family are proud and my husband even says he married Guide Dogs for the Blind as well as me, over 50 years ago.

“I think the medal will be presented in a couple of months’ time by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex.”

Marjorie is no stranger to being celebrated for her unbridled commitment to serving others, although she does not do what she does for the accolades.

Back in 2014, she received a Pride of Tendring Award, an award given to her once again to recognise her dedicated work for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Last year she was also given the Pearl Volunteer Award for Longstanding Dedication from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Seven years ago, when she received her Pride of Tendring Award, the busy bee was also running a luncheon club in Lawford, providing locals with a meal and friendship.

She was also on the parochial church council of the local church as a deanery representative and was once a Girl Guide leader.

Marjorie added: “I volunteer for Guide Dogs because of the pleasure it gives me helping visually impaired people live a happy independent life.

“Helping that tiny puppy on its first stage of the journey to becoming a qualified guide dog is so good.

“It is indescribable when you know that puppy will go on to change someone’s life.”