Sue Ratcliffe (Harlow) and Michael Clarke (Bury St Edmonds) have both received British Empire Medals as part of her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.
Sue, 46, has been commended for her tireless fundraising for
Guide Dogs in honour of her late husband. Sue lost her husband Gary in 2004 after he was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle whilst out riding his bike.
Michael, 75, was honoured for
services to people with visual impairment after spending 33 years as Chairman for the Bury St Edmunds branch of Guide Dogs. Michael started his
volunteering with Guide Dogs in 1981 after the death of his wife who had been visually impaired. He set up a trust fund which raised enough money to help train eight life-changing guide dog puppies before becoming the founder and Chair of the local branch, which over the 33 years has raised an enormous £600,000.
Gary had raised £4,500 for Guide Dogs before he died and to honour his life Sue continued to
fundraise. Nine years on and Sue has raised over £125,000 for Guide Dogs, naming over 24 life-changing guide dog puppies.
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