Salisbury woman becomes oldest person to receive an MBE
She was recognised in the New Year's Honours List
107 year old Anne Baker from Salisbury has been presented with her MBE, becoming the oldest person to ever be awarded one.
Anne’s lifetime of fundraising for the NSPCC was recognised in the 2021 New Year Honours List.
Seven months later and Anne was given the medal by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire this afternoon (Friday 23rd July) at her Salisbury home.
She said:
“I cannot believe I have actually been given an MBE.
“It is really a tribute to all the people who have helped raise money for this wonderful charity which helps protect children.”
Born in 1914, Anne has lived through four monarchs, two world wars and has seen 21 different Prime Ministers occupy No 10, but one thing has remained a constant in her life, and that is supporting the NSPCC.
She participated in her first charity event in the 1960s and has continued her support ever since, being an active member of the Salisbury Fundraising Committee.
David, Anne’s eldest son, said:
“My mother is an extraordinary person who has been determined to raise funds for a charity which means so much to her.
“She loves children and longs for all children to have a safe and happy childhood. She believes passionately that the NSPCC really helps to protect children while also striving to keep families together.”
When she was 95, Anne set up a little garden party to raise funds for the charity, which ended becoming an annual mini fete which raises thousands for the NSPCC.
In 2020, that event was unable to go ahead due to the pandemic but instead Anne set up an online fundraising page, which ended up having around ÂŁ4,000 donated.
NSPCC Supporter Fundraising Manager, Caroline Morgan said:
“I’ve been at the NSPCC for many years and volunteers like Anne are a constant reminder to me of just how far people are willing to go in terms of dedication to help protect children.
“At the NSPCC, we rely on public donations for 90% of our funding and it’s volunteers like Anne who make that possible. Anne is our oldest fundraiser and is an inspiration to so many people within the charity. It’s amazing to be a part of her special day and watch her be awarded an MBE because it’s thoroughly deserved.”