Dom Hyndman writes:
“On Sunday 17th October 2021 at St Marie’s Church, my mum Susan Hyndman was presented with the Benemerenti Medal by Fr Foley.
Mum received the award for services to the Church and community. She began her service in the parish as a cleaner at the age of eight. Over the last sixty-five years she has devoted her life to the care of others and continues to do so today, despite her own health issues.
Over the years Mum volunteered as a Catholic Marriage Guidance Counsellor, worked at Relate and for twenty-two years looked after children with special educational needs at Millwood School, Bury.
Mum gave up work to become a full-time carer for her mother and other family members which she did devotedly for 24 years.
When the late Fr Tony Lawton retired to Nazareth House with ill health, my parents would visit regularly to take him to the park, to Masses, shopping and for hospital appointments.
Mum still continues her service in the parish and to its housebound parishioners today and we were delighted and extremely proud to see her presented with this fitting reward.
Special thanks to Fr Francis Wadsworth and to Marie Sartini at the Bishop’s Office, for their help with the nomination.”
On behalf of the parish, I would like to congratulate Susan on receiving this honour and to thank her for the many years of service she has given to the parish. ~ Fr Foley