Cramlington solicitor awarded MBE for services to law and the vulnerable

Cramlington Town Council offers congratulations to Meg Kirby from Legacare who was recently awarded an MBE for services to the law and vulnerable people.

The Council was already aware of the valuable work carried out by Meg and her team of solicitors, having previously awarded them a grant from our Community Chest, and we paid her a visit to get an update on the work they are doing.

Meg explains: “The Honour came as a complete surprise to me. I was out shopping and met my husband who produced a letter. I read that I had been awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire honour for services to law and vulnerable people and I promptly burst into tears!”

“It was a really bittersweet moment – I’m amazingly happy for the recognition of the work Legacare undertakes but it must be remembered that we are helping the most vulnerable people in our community whose lives have been torn apart – having been given the most horrific news that they have a life-threatening illness or they are caring for somebody who has.”

“It is genuinely humbling to receive recognition for the work that I and my team do but to be honest the timing couldn’t have been better as I was about to ‘throw in the towel’ as it is so exhausting to be constantly begging for support – that is support to help people going through the worst time in their lives. Whilst we have had unwavering support from Dame Margaret Barbour and the Barbour Foundation, most of our funding is sporadic – especially when applying to NHS Charities, whose patients are referred to us daily.  “Since Legacare was formed in 2010 we have helped over 7500 people who have life threatening or terminal illness.  Not only do we sort out their legal affairs, ensuring they have peace of mind and quality of life at a very precious time in their lives, we have arranged weddings; funerals; helped clients move home and adopt and rehouse pets.  I even adopted a beautiful canary called ‘Little Bird’ from one of my clients.”

“I hope the award of the MBE will help us raise awareness of the need for our services and help NHS charities and other funders support us.”