June Best MBE was honoured twice-over at this year’s Guide Dogs Volunteer Awards for over 30 years of voluntary service to the organisation. June was awarded with the Royal Patron Award and Long Service Award.
A former Head Teacher and Education Specialist from Aghalee, June was born with partial sight loss and now also lives with Charles Bonnet Syndrome. She received her first guide dog, Rosie in 1994 with Zimba, Alec and current guide dog Clyde following.
Policy & Campaigns Manager Hannah Lyons, who has worked closely with June for the past decade said, “I always enjoy June’s humour during our phone calls and her gusto when we worked together at Party Conferences. Awarded an MBE in 2019, June is an exceptional ambassador, mentor, colleague and friend.
“She has dedicated more than three decades to championing equality, opportunity and independence for people with vision impairment. Her work is deeply person-centred, shaped by her own lived experience and driven by a determination to ensure others can live actively, independently and well. She truly embodies the spirit of the Royal Patron Award.”
June’s impact reaches far beyond Guide Dogs, serving as Northern Ireland’s first ambassador for disabled people, working with the Office of Disability Issues and Department of Work and Pensions, and as Chair of the Independent Mechanism for Northern Ireland. June ensures the voices of people with sight loss are heard at the highest levels.
The ceremony was held in the Long Gallery of Stormont Parliament Buildings with awards presented by Guide Dogs staff and the event sponsored and opened by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons who said: “I was pleased to attend the Guide Dog Volunteer Awards recently and to see for myself the difference that people continue to make to the lives of people with sight loss through volunteering, fundraising, donating, and campaigning. Events like the awards are important to recognise all volunteers and their combined efforts to make such a difference to each and every person with sight loss.
“As Minister, my responsibility is to take steps to actively improve the opportunities available to everyone, including those with sight loss, here in Northern Ireland. I often find myself working with people who face the most demanding of situations and who must struggle continuously to secure the opportunities that many take for granted. Their courage and determination never fails to humble me.
“My Department’s work in leading on the development of the new Executive Disability Strategy for Northern Ireland, which will deliver a lasting legacy in improving the lives of all Deaf and disabled people here – including those with sight loss. We remain committed to the mantra of the disability sector of “Nothing about us without us.”
Another string to June’s bow is her work as part of the Guide Dogs Lisburn Fundraising group, who are seeking new members. The group were also awarded runners-up in the Engage category for their “enthusiasm, professionalism and commitment, which has resulted in at least 4 new puppy partnerships in the last year.”
The charity, which recently celebrated 40 years since it opened a site in Northern Ireland, also announced it now costs £77,000 to breed, raise and train every guide dog pup to partnership, up from £34,600 in 2019, making the work of these fundraising groups more vital than ever.
For more information on how to join the Guide Dogs Fundraising Group in your area, contact Gary.Wilson@guidedogs.org.uk or visit guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer
