Hilda Lyons, who won a Team London Award in 2015 for outstanding service to the community, has been awarded a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to disabled people over the past 40 years.
In 1977 Hilda saw the need for a swimming club for disabled people in Redbridge after realising the area had a shortage of facilities for adults with disabilities. Funds and help were sort; however, this did not stop Hilda. Through hours of hard work, research and fundraising she established the Redbridge Dippers Swimming Club – the borough’s first ever swimming club for disabled people.
Since then, Hilda has worked tirelessly to ensure the continuing viability and success of the club. She has taught people of all ages, with many kinds of physical disability, introducing them not only to the joy of swimming but also helping them to improve their health and confidence. Throughout the club’s history she has been continuously involved with administrative duties and ongoing fundraising. Battling ill health herself, Hilda has recently relinquished her pool attendance but continues in her joint roles of President and Adviser.
Hilda joins hundreds of unsung heroes from across the country, who have been awarded honours for their work in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.