A retired nurse whose charity work has helped thousands both at home and abroad has been named this year’s Dundee Citizen of the Year.
75-year-old Norma McGovern has worked as an active volunteer and board member for a number of organisations including Brae Riding for the Disabled and HMS Unicorn.
She has also helped find a home for 40 children near the Indian city of Pune in Maharashtra state in her role as a trustee on the board of Seema’s Project.
The project aims to build homes for abandoned children of trafficked sex workers.
She follows last year’s winner, Debbie Findlay, who has dedicated her life to making sure the neediest in her community are taken care of.
New winner Norma said she has been left “totally overwhelmed” by the award.
“It’s a huge honour,” she said.
“I feel quite seriously that everything I do, I’m supported by other people that do a lot too. Dundee is full of people doing good things.”
As part of her service at the Brae Norma undertook training to become a qualified fitter of riding hats and this enables her to fit and to advise on the purchase of this important part of safety equipment.
In addition, Norma is the director of the Board of Women’s Aid in Dundee in a volunteer capacity and has been involved with fund raising for the organisation.
She said she first got into volunteering after retirement left her fearing her many skills would no longer be used to help others.
She said: “My motivation came from my passion in my job as a nurse — which is a passion for people.
“I just felt that I’d done so much training that it would be waste of skills to stop.
“Really, I’m just an ordinary person doing what I think is right for people.”
Lord Provost Ian Borthwick said he had been “very impressed” with the range of Norma’s work.
“That’s what really stood out,” he said.
“She has given a life of service to support others.
“She is an inspiring individual and one who encourages, supports and motivates the local community.
“Norma is an exceptional candidate, she supports a huge amount of organisations including Mary’s Meals, The Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support.”
Each year Dundee City Council seeks out a Citizen of the Year who has provided outstanding service to their community.
Judges look for someone who provides selfless service to a voluntary body or the community and who brings distinction and quality to everyday life in Dundee.
