April has been a special month for Ian Nelson.

It started with him achieving a long held ambition by becoming a member of the Lions Club of Morpeth. Lions have been an  ntegral part of the Nelson family’s life for the past ten years when Ian’s father Jerry  oined following the 2008 floods. They had been flood victims and even before he was a  ember he was helping with the recovery process.

Sadly, Jerry passed away last year having bravely borne the cancer that had been  diagnosed only months before. His wife Lilian had always supported his Lions activities and when she asked was warmly welcomed as a Lions member. She was also nominated and received a Morpeth Town Council Civic Award last year in recognition of her British Red Cross and other involvements in the community and in Tyneside.

Like mother like son, Ian was persistent in asking Lilian if he could join the Lions Club as he had been so involved in a number of their activities. Eventually Lilian relented and thus he became the Club’s newest member.

However, the similarities don’t end there as Ian was nominated for a Civic Award this year which he proudly received. The Mayor, Counc. Nic Best read the following citation:

‘Ian is well known in Morpeth as he is often seen walking purposefully around town, waving and smiling at people he knows. Ian’s disabilities have never stood in his way and he is a positive, cheerful and independent character. Ian is a popular figure in Morpeth, bringing out the best in people and is always willing to help’.

The reference to being willing to help relates to Ian’s involvements with British Heart
Foundation with which he has volunteered for 10 years and was awarded a Gold Medal and commendation. In addition he helps the fundraising efforts of Chernobyl Children’s Life Line, Red Cross, Marie Curie and now the Lions Club of Morpeth.

(L-R) Ian’s nephew Sam, Ian & Lilian Nelson

Well done Ian, your fellow Morpeth Lions are honoured to welcome you and congratulate you on this well-deserved Civic Award.