A long-serving MS Society volunteer has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours list.
Stuart Nixon, 49, from Newport, South Wales, who has had MS since he was 18, has volunteered for the charity for more than 17 years. He has also overcome his physical limitations to build a successful career with the NHS.
Stuart has been commended for his 'tireless and selfless dedication' in both his voluntary and professional roles.
He has just completed a six-year term as a trustee of the MS Society, serving four as vice-chair, but his contributions go well beyond that important role.
Exceptional work
Stuart has been praised for his 'exceptional work' in helping develop innovative services for people with MS in Wales and across the UK.
He was one of the first volunteers to support the MS Society’s national helpline, which he continued for many years, taking calls from people facing the anxieties and uncertainties of MS and dealing with them with great empathy and compassion.
And he has been a leading member of the charity’s Research Strategy Committee, using his clinical background as a nurse and helping to ensure people with MS are at the centre of the MS Society’s research programme.
Stuart also took on an extraordinary fundraising challenge in October this year to mark the MS Society’s 60th anniversary, raising over £62,000. Despite having used a wheelchair for 15 years and only having mobility in one leg, he drew on his willpower and determination to walk 60km around London over nine days using a bespoke walking frame.
A few days after completing the challenge, Stuart was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual MS Society Awards.
Tears, hugs and laughter
Stuart found out he was to receive the MBE when a letter arrived from the Cabinet Office in November. Stuart, his wife Marie and son Sean gathered in their conservatory to open the letter. He said: "There were a lot of tears, hugs and laughter. It’s impossible to express how honoured I feel. You do what you do because it’s about supporting people affected by MS and doing what you can. Volunteering for the MS Society has been the most fulfilling thing I’ve done in my life. To be recognised in this way is the icing on the cake."
Stuart was nominated for the MBE by the MS Society’s former chief executive, Simon Gillespie, and his nomination was supported by the charity’s former chair, Tony Kennan, and existing chief executive, Michelle Mitchell. It was also endorsed by Dr Andrew Goodall, chief executive of the Aneurin Bevan Health Board, for whom Stuart works as Private Practice Manager.
Truly outstanding ambassador
In his nomination, Simon described Stuart as a "truly outstanding ambassador for the MS Society".
He added: "His leadership, dogged determination and sharp insight inspire all who come into contact with him, whether in his professional life at the Aneurin Bevan Health Board or as a volunteer for the MS Society.
"The range, extent and deep impact of Stuart’s contribution in his work life, and through volunteering for the MS Society at the highest level, has been exceptional and sustained, benefiting those who have MS and the wider community."
Role model
Writing in support of Stuart's nomination, Tony Kennan said: "There are few who are as dedicated to the work of supporting those affected by MS. It is not a cliché to describe him as being tireless and a role model of volunteer effort."
Michelle Mitchell said: “We’re so pleased that Stuart’s extraordinary contributions to people affected by MS and the wider community have been commended through this honour. He is a unique and inspirational individual, who entirely deserves this recognition.
Although his term as trustee has now ended, Stuart has agreed to continue to support the MS Society as a senior volunteer leader.
Read more about Stuart's extraordinary 60km walk for MS on our main website
