ADRIAN McAuley’s New Year Honour has brought back fond memories of his Fermanagh mother-in-law’s similar recognition, over three decades ago.
The paramedic from Londonderry, who retired last year received a MBE for his services to First Aid and Health Care in Northern Ireland.
His wife, Noleen (nee Elliott) who is originally from Florencecourt, says her late mother, Ivy, would be hugely proud of his achievement.
“I still remember mummy, daddy, my sister and I all going over to Buckingham Palace for mummy to officially receive her Honour,” she told the Impartial Reporter this week, “Now we will be preparing for another trip for Adrian!
“He and I had only really just met when mummy received hers.”
A radiographer, Nolene, who still has family connections in Fermanagh, trained in Altnagelvin where she and Adrian met.
“Adrian spent much of his career working for the Ambulance Service, however he had spent the last 10 years working in Public Health as an Emergency Planner on the area Board,” explained Nolene.
“Mummy would be so proud of him. She received a MBE for services to Nursing in the Community.
“She was the district midwife for a life time in Florencecourt and Kinawley.
“It is amazing that over 30 years on, Adrian has received a similar Honour.”
Adrian and Nolene have four children: Jodie, who works in administration with the Health and Social Care Board; Katie, a nurse who is on a career break in Abu Dhabi; Cian, an English teacher in Cambodia and Poppy, a podiatrist in Reading.