South Shields mum given British Empire Medal to honour charity work

Julie Dudgeon received a British Empire Medal for services to charitable fundraising in the North East after she was announced as a beneficiary in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June. 

Mrs Dudgeon, from Imeary Street, South Shields, was presented with her award during a ceremony held in Jarrow Town Hall by The Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Susan Winfield.

The ceremony was also attended by the Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Councillor Richard Porthouse and his wife Patricia.
 Mum-of-two Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003.

Since then she has raised about £10,000 for cancer charities by taking part in various activities and events including the Great North Run, the Great North Bike Ride and climbing Ben Nevis in Scotland in 2014.

The civil servant and magistrate was presented with the medal in recognition of her fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Care and St Clare’s Hospice in Jarrow.

Mrs Dudgeon said: “I was both nervous and excited about today, but I was thrilled it was a local presentation as my close family and friends were there, which made the event more special.

“I’m really honoured to be recognised in this way and I am just as excited about the award as I was in May last year when I found out I’d would be receiving a British Empire Medal.

“I have always done various things for charity and I couldn’t have raised so much or taken part in so many events without the brilliant support I receive throughout my fundraising.”