Tributes to Wrexham resident recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Wrexham’s AM and MP have congratulated a local resident who was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Pat Williams was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her long-standing, loyal service to the people of Caia Park.

Lesley Griffiths AM and Ian Lucas MP both wrote letters in support of Pat’s nomination and recently met up to offer their personal congratulations.

Pat has been actively working for the Caia Park community for decades and her contribution to the wellbeing of older people in the area is particularly exceptional.

She successfully applied for Lottery Funding to run a five-year Healthy Living Initiative, based in a converted council house in Caia Park.  She also set up and ran Caia Park Older People’s Forum to ensure the views of older people were heard.

Pat once again secured Lottery Funding on behalf of Caia Park Partnership to set up a day centre for older people, which continues to provide support to those in need seven days a week.

Before she retired, Pat worked in Adult Social Services at Wrexham County Borough Council and initiated lunch clubs across the whole area to tackle poor nutrition and social isolation.  She is still involved with these lunch clubs today.

As well as supporting the older generation, in 1978 Pat helped found ‘The Venture’, the nationally-renowned initiative for children and young people.  She chaired its Management Committee and continues to be an active volunteer.

Pat was also a member of Caia Park Community Council from 2002 to 2017 and was the Chair from 2005 to 2012.  She has been a lead volunteer with the Wrexham PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) Club for over 40 years and acts as the treasurer and assists with fundraising.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “I have known Pat for many years and have always been so impressed by her commitment and dedication to making a difference in Caia Park.  She is an inspirational figure who fully deserves this recognition and I congratulate her once again on all her impressive achievements.”

Ian Lucas MP added: “Pat is a true community champion and I am grateful to her for the wonderful work she has done for the people of Wrexham, and in particular Caia Park, over the years.  She really is an inspirational figure and her award is thoroughly deserved.  It was a pleasure to see Pat recently and pass on my congratulations.”