DEMENTIA campaigner June Hennell – formerly Tarr, who lived as a young woman at Crosslands, Tonedale, was recognised for her efforts in helping people affected by the condition in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

June, 71, was awarded the MBE for services to dementia care and awareness. She has campaigned tirelessly since her late husband, Brian, was diagnosed with the condition in 2009.

June, who now lives in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, went to Tonedale Primary School and attended Wellington Methodist Church before moving out of the area to further her career.

“I have wonderful memories of growing up in Wellington,” said June, who has three children. “I am very humbled and amazed to get the award.

“When we started campaigning we did not foresee the impact we could make.

“We were delighted to get the diagnosis and wanted to pay back those who helped us tremendously in the NHS and other organisations.

“I feel privileged that dementia entered our world. If it had not our lives would have been much less rich.”

After the diagnosis, she and Brian travelled extensively to campaign on the issue. They published a series of booklets, in partnership with the Association of Dementia Studies at Worcester University and Gloucestershire County Council, describing the onset of the condition and the stress it placed on their lives and how they coped and planned for the future.

They also set up a website, Our Dementia Adventure, providing advice and links to further support.

Their Living Well Handbook has been praised for its honesty and the help it

provides for people, and has been adapted for use in Victoria Health Authorities, Australia.

Since Brian died of cancer in 2013 aged 75, June has continued her campaign tirelessly and has given talks around the world, ranging from speaking in front of more than 1,000 delegates in Australia, to engagements with the women’s institute.