Maire has been the chairperson of our Northern Ireland National Committee for more than 20 years.  She also sits on Home-Start UK’s board of trustees.  Maire was nominated by Heather Knox, Home-Start UK’s director of Northern Ireland.  Heather said, "She is an outstanding volunteer, a person who inspires other volunteers and staff to excel in their roles to keep Home-Start in Northern Ireland at the forefront of all agendas for family support and volunteering.

“She has engaged with political leaders and government departments during a time of conflict and peace to ensure that the voluntary sector and Home-Start in particular receives sustainable funding and recognition of the difference volunteers make to families supported.

See how Maire received the news, and hear what her colleagues have to say about her dedication to our charity:

“Maire’s reputation in Home-Start is remarkable," continues Heather Knox, "with her years of service extending beyond Northern Ireland to the Home-Start UK board of trustees and its finance sub- committee.

“Her skill as a trainer is widely used to facilitate training workshops and forums for the organisation all in a voluntary capacity.

“She has willingly taken the platform at Home-Start events to promote the ethos and work of the organisation.

“Her time given in all these roles has been without question one of the reasons why Home-Start has the recognition that it does in Northern Ireland today.”

Before the awards ceremony, Maire and the winners of the other Home-Start national volunteer award categories were treated to a pamper afternoon, courtesy of The White Rose School of Health and Beauty, and afternoon tea with Kirstie Allsopp.