GEM Appeal presented with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

GEM Appeal volunteers: founder Karen Johnson holding the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

GEM Appeal volunteers flew the flag for Rochdale at The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Ceremony at Gorton Monastery on Wednesday (28 August).

Karen Johnson, founder of the GEM Appeal charity, her daughter, Katie, and several trustees and volunteers attended the ceremony to be presented with their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

The accolade is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Founded in 1994 as Karen’s sons, Simon and Mikey, were born with Hunter Syndrome, the GEM Appeal (‘Genetics. Enzymes. Metabolics.’) raises money to fund research and find cures for genetic diseases. Tragically both boys lost their lives to the incurable disease at the age of 12.

Trustee Wendy Mills said: “It was such an inspiring day. There is so much good going on in Greater Manchester and this region is top for the number of voluntary service awards.”

The GEM Appeal is run entirely by volunteers and has raised over £3 million so far. The charity celebrates 25 years of fundraising in 2019 and is currently raising money to buy a Tecan machine for Manchester Children's Hospital at a cost of £175,000.

The appeal has helped purchase diagnostic equipment to research, diagnose and treat children and young people with rare genetic and metabolic disorders which were previously incurable, prematurely ending many young lives.

Because of the money raised by the GEM Appeal, children are living longer healthier lives and the future is more positive for those diagnosed now.

The GEM Appeal’s next fundraiser is the Sax ‘n’ Supper at Bamford Bowling Club later this month:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/61577/sax-n-supper