We are all delighted that a member from  Leamington Spa & Warwick 2, Delia Button, was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Delia started raising funds in 1987 to buy a portable foetal heart monitor, in memory of her baby Charlie. Since then, she has raised more than £100,000 for numerous local charities by organising many events.  Delia has actively supported neonatal baby units, by organising events such as the Morris 1000 24 Hour UK Challenge, a sponsored drive from Land’s End to John O’Groats and charity auctions, fashion shows and balls.

Following her diagnosis with multiple sclerosis (MS), Delia became a major fundraiser for Helen Ley House, enabling people with the most severe forms of MS to have time away from home and to give their carers a much-needed break.

In 1991 she set up Rufus’ Friend’s Fund in memory of her brother. For 30 years, the charity has supported families by giving grants to allow them respite. Her fundraising efforts also go further afield than the local community. For example, after the 2004 Tsunami in Thailand, she coordinated a collection which raised over £6,000 to donate to the cause.

Since 2005, she has been a member of the Samaritans, volunteering every week at the Coventry branch supporting callers. Delia is an ambassador for the Samaritans by raising awareness through talks and outreach work, which has also led to her influencing others to volunteer.

She also volunteers for Silverline, an organisation which supports lonely elderly people. Each week, she spends time chatting to those affected by loneliness.