Barbara, 92, is honoured for fund-raising

A North Shropshire woman who has spent more than half a century raising money for Save the Children has been honoured with a special award.

Ninety-two-year-old Barbara Molesworth from Whittington was given a surprise presentation by fellow members of the charity’s Ellesmere and District branch.

The Volunteering Award was made by the international aid organisation’s London headquarters in recognition of “extraordinary service.”

Head of Volunteering Matt Reynolds said: “This is a way of us saying a special thank-you to Barbara for being an amazing team member. It’s so much appreciated.”

Mrs Molesworth began fund-raising for the charity with her late husband, Douglas, when he was head of Whittington primary school. He died in 2007, but his legacy lives on, with the school continuing to raise money for Save the Children. One of its houses is named after Eglantyne Jebb, the Ellesmere-born social activist who co-founded the charity with her younger sister, Dorothy,in 1919, shortly after the end of World War 1.

Under Mr Molesworth’s leadership, the school won several awards from the BBC’s Blue Peter programme for its fund-raising efforts..

Since his death, his wife has continued as an active volunteer, raising money by holding an open garden event every spring, selling plants and charity Christmas cards, as well as hosting a Christmas jumper day.

Last year, she was among long-serving members of the charity’s Ellesmere branch who met its patron, Princess Anne, when she visited the Jebb sisters’ birthplace during a visit to the town.

Mr Reynolds added: “Barbara is a magnificent, dedicated and loyal supporter who lives and breathes Save the Children, keeping Eglantyne’s memory alive in her birthplace. She truly deserves special recognition for her outstanding service for over half a century. Her enthusiasm and commitment is as strong as it was 50 years ago, and she shows no sign of giving up.”

Jean Ferries, chair of the Ellesmere fund-raising branch, said: “We’re delighted that Save the Children’s national headquarters has recognised Barbara’s long service with this well-deserved award, and we’re proud of all that she’s achieved. She’s a remarkable lady.

“Thanks to her efforts, and a coffee morning hosted by another of our members, Mrs Angela Scott, we’ve recently donated another £2,500 to the charity and we’re planning more fund-raising activities later this year.”

Mrs Molesworth said she was “surprised and humbled” to receive the award. “I really didn’t expect to be recognised in this way. It was totally unexpected. After my husband passed away, I really wouldn’t have been able to continue fund-raising without the wonderful support of my family, friends and the other hard-working members of the Ellesmere Save the Children group. It’s such a worthwhile charity and I hope more younger people will come forward to lend lend their support as volunteers.”