The founder member of a stroke support group, with branches in Alsager and Sandbach, Holmes Chapel and two other towns, has met royalty after the group received a prestigious award.

The Stroke Survivors' Speech and Language Support Group, set up in memory of Liz Bedson's late father, recently received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, equivalent to an MBE.

Now Liz and Arthur Harding have seen the group's work recognised at a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Liz said on Social Media: "What a wonderful, incredible, exciting and beautiful day. Being invited to the Royal Garden Party for being awarded the King's Award for Voluntary Service was such an honour.

"From going through the big gates at the front and onto the gravel front then walking with so many others into the Palace Gardens was such a wonderful privilege.

"We were even honoured to have King Charles and Queen Camilla greeting us!!!Also Princess Ann, Prince Edward and Sophie too.

"Such a lovely experience, one I was so glad to have experienced and never ever ever dreamt that I would be there. Going with Arthur, who has helped me with the charity and setting up the model, is something I will always treasure.

Liz Bedson set up the first Stroke Survivors Speech and Language Support Group in Crewe in 2018 after her own late father had a stroke.

advertisement