Cathy Low from Findhorn is honoured with Coronation Champion title for her voluntary work around the village
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A tireless local volunteer has been awarded a national title for her ongoing efforts.
Unsung hero, Cathy Low, has been officially recognised by the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) as a ‘Coronation Champion’ for the voluntary work she does to benefit residents and visitors to Findhorn.
She said: “I am truly honoured to receive this very special award and overwhelmed by messages of congratulations I have received.
“I am very proud to be a Coronation Champion and thank Deputy Lieutenant, Sue Finnegan, for nominating me for the award.”
RVS launched the awards to recognise exceptional volunteers and to celebrate King Charles’ coronation.
Of almost 5000 nominations, 500 people were chosen to be champions - 50 live in Scotland and Cathy is the only person in Moray to receive the award.
Mrs Finnegan explained: “Cathy is a truly inspirational volunteer who gives generously of her time to enhance the environment and lives of others.
“She goes the extra mile to make a difference and I felt strongly that she should be nominated for this prestigious award.”
Cathy is secretary and director of The Findhorn Village Conservation Company (TFVCC), and a director of Findhorn Village Centre.
During lockdown, Cathy marshalled volunteers to help villagers who were shielding and set up a WhatsApp group for communication.
She also sourced funding and organised weekly lunches for vulnerable, elderly residents, and organised the delivery of special afternoon tea boxes to celebrate VE Day.
In her role with TFVCC she has led on the resurfacing of Dunes Road and the beach car parks, the Community Asset Transfer and subsequent refurbishment of the toilet blocks, and the development of the West Beach Motorhome Stopover.
Cathy is currently sourcing funding and setting up a Just Giving page to refurbish eight sets of beach steps on the back shore.
Mrs Finnegan added: “In addition to volunteering, Cathy is also skilled at bringing groups and organisations together in the village to pool time and resources, and collectively make a bigger difference. An example was the successful weekend of activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.
“It is very fitting that Cathy has received this award whilst she is coordinating a similar weekend of activities to celebrate the coronation!”
Cathy will receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a signed certificate from both Their Majesties in addition to an invitation to a Coronation event.
