Grampian Branch volunteer recognised by SSAFA for exemplary support of local Armed Forces community

05 March 2025

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has recognised Shirley Lumby of Balmedie for her dedication to helping the Armed Forces community in Grampian at its latest Scotland Regional Recognition Awards (RRA). 

The biannual awards were established in 2023 to formally acknowledge extra endeavour by SSAFA volunteers, staff and external supporters across its network of 17 branches in Scotland. 

Shirley is one of ten recipients of the latest RRAs, who were recognised with special SSAFA Scotland Region plaques at the charity’s Scotland Resource Committee meeting, held yesterday (4 March) at Volunteer Scotland, Jubilee House, in Stirling.  

A RAF veteran herself, Shirley was working at a veterinary emergency hospital before the coronavirus pandemic. It was a job she loved because it regularly brought her out of the house and was very social. During the pandemic, Shirley became extremely ill and had to leave her work due to her health. As someone who loved working with people and who thrived on a sense of purpose, the change brought negative impacts to Shirley’s mental and physical health. Knowing she needed to find something to focus on, she decided to volunteer with SSAFA, and is now Branch Secretary of SSAFA’s Grampian branch.

Shirley said: “Being a volunteer has helped me in so many ways. My confidence has grown, and I am able to achieve things I never would have thought myself capable of. I love going out into the community to speak with veterans, and also to raise awareness of SSAFA and the work we do in the region.”

While volunteering for SSAFA has brought numerous positives to Shirley’s life, it is Shirley’s impact on others that has led to her recognition at SSAFA’s RRAs. She was nominated for the award by a Grampian branch caseworker who emphasised how tirelessly Shirley works to recruit and train volunteers, fundraise at events and meet with the local community. She is also viewed by her fellow volunteers as an approachable and knowledgeable member of the team.

Walter Gallacher, Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee at SSAFA, commented: “The people behind SSAFA, from volunteers to supporters, are what helps us support the Armed Forces community with whatever they need, when they need it. It is always hard to choose just ten people to recognise from the many who work tirelessly across Scotland, but I am very pleased to congratulate Shirley on her win. She has gone above and beyond to recruit volunteers and promote SSAFA across the region, all in support of serving personnel, veterans and their families.” 

Shirley added: “We have a great team here in Grampian and this recognition shows me that we are all doing a great job – while I am proud to receive the award, we help the community by working as a team. I’m very grateful to the Grampian community for supporting us, as that’s what enables us to help the Armed Forces family.”