AN OLDER people’s champion has been handed another award in recognition of her outstanding work.

Nell McFadden, 90, MBE said she was over the moon to receive an honorary membership from the Scottish Seniors Alliance.

The Gourock pensioner was both ‘surprised and delighted’ after the award was given to her at the organisation’s conference in Glasgow.

She said: “It was the last thing I ever thought I would get. It was a nice surprise.

“My friend Sandra Martin asked me a few months ago if I was coming to the conference. She said she wanted to see me there but I had no idea I would be getting this honour.

“I hadn’t been to the organisations conference for a while and I saw a lot of people I hadn’t see for a long time.

“It was a lovely day.”

Nell’s award reads: ‘Nell McFadden MBE: In honour and recognition of her dedication and commitment to the cause of older people’.

She was also presented with a beautiful basket of flowers.
This is the latest in a series of prestigious honours she has received throughout the years. 

Nell is also Inverclyde’s designated elderly people’s champion and honorary president of Your Voice Community Care Forum,  but is best know as chairperson of Inverclyde Elderly Forum.

She also still serves on a number of committees.

Sandra Martin, treasurer of the Scottish Seniors Allicance, said: “Nell has worked tirelessly for our organisation for over 30 years.

“We know she recently celebrated her 90th birthday and we decided that now was a good time to make her an honorary member.

“I’ve known Nell personally for 25 years and have campaigned with her all over the country.

“She has never been embarrassed to talk about her situation of being a pensioner who doesn’t have a big income.

“She is an absolute stalwart and someone who is not afraid to stand up to the politicians and tell them exactly what it’s like for older people trying to get by.”