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“I feel very honoured and see this as an award for all the fundraising carried out by the Friends of the Mulberry Centre which I am proud to be a member.”
Ray has been connected with the Centre since it opened its doors in 1985 and previously was the treasurer of Dee Banks Adult Training Centre.
He describes everyone connected with the Mulberry as “family”.
“There is no other word for it” said the retired Electrical Contracting Engineer whose work took him across the country including Sellafield and North Sea Oil Rigs.
“I spend a lot of time at the Mulberry Centre and have got to know everyone really well so that they are family.”
Ray’s wife Isobel who died in February was also secretary to the Friends of the Mulberry Centre.
He has been closely connected with fundraising ventures, especially since his retirement in 1993.
“Our first venture was raising money to buy a new mini bus” said Ray.
“We now have a fleet of three and two have tailgates for wheelchair users. We pay for fuel for the vehicles and their insurance.
“Funds were raised to transform part of the Mulberry building into a 150 seater theatre which can also be used as a cinema.
“”We have a computer suite, beautiful sensory garden and vegetable garden.”
Around £400,000 has been raised by the Friends of the Mulberry Centre – most within the past 15 years.
County Council Vice Chairman Ken Oliver said: “On behalf of the County Council I would like to send Ray my warmest congratulations for his MBE honour.
“It is a great achievement and I am sure that he will really enjoy receiving his MBE from the Queen.”
Photo Caption: Locality Manager for West Cheshire Learning Disability Services Jeremy Hunt with Ray Cumin MBE and son Anthony.
Note To Editors: For more information please contact Jeremy Hunt. Locality Manager West Cheshire Learning Disability Services on 01244 972731 and County Councillor Oliver on 01260 276357. |