An inspiring dementia campaigner has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
June Hennell has tirelessly advocated for excellence in the dementia care field since her husband, Brian, was diagnosed in 2009.
She has worked closely with the University of Worcester's Association for Dementia Studies (ADS), including the sponsorship of an annual award for students making a significant contribution to developing person-centred care.
Professor Dawn Brooker, Director of ADS, said: "We are delighted to hear that June Hennell has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours. This is a richly deserved honour in recognition of June's tireless work in advocating for excellence in the dementia care field.
"June's lovely husband, Brian, was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia in 2009. This was the same year as the National Dementia Strategy and the same year that the Association for Dementia Studies was launched."
June and Brian were part of the development of a new training resource for people working with one living with dementia and their families, titled Stand by Me. They also developed a series of publications which are very well-received by people directly affected by dementia and professionals.
"They showed such love for each other and such a positive attitude to the challenges that life dealt them, Professor Brooker added. "Sadly, Brian lost his fight for life to cancer in July 2013. Since that time, June and her family have continued to advocate for people affected by dementia everywhere " from supporting local families, working with national bodies such as the Alzheimer's Society, Department of Health, Royal College of Nursing, National Council for Palliative Care and being an active tutor and member of our LINK group.
"In memory of her husband, June has generously sponsored The Hennell Award for Innovation and Excellence in Dementia Care. The award recognises people who have made a significant contribution to promoting person-centred care and open to everyone who has attended a course facilitated by the Association for Dementia Studies or who is studying for a Foundation Degree in Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester. The third Hennell Award will be made in October 2016."