Marjorie Lathey is One in a Million for Red Cross (From Dorset Echo)

Marjorie Lathey is One in a Million for Red Cross

2:00pm Monday 9th April 2012 in News By James Tourgout

DEDICATED Marjorie Lathey has been told she is One in a Million in recognition of her voluntary work for the British Red Cross.

Marjorie, who is 80, first got involved with the Red Cross in 1948 at the age of 16.

She started by selling Red Cross flags and later went on to collect around West Bay for the charity’s appeal week. She said: “I have become part and parcel of Bridport through my collecting. If I do not go round to people’s houses they want to know where I am.”

Marjorie has collected every year without fail, apart from one year when a broken leg forced her to bow out.

Her tireless support has helped raise thousands of pounds for the charity and in 2003 Marjorie became Red Cross Week collections co-ordinator.

Marjorie has also been volunteering once a week for the Red Cross Medical Equipment Service – loaning wheelchairs and other aids to people in need – since 1985.

She was later made medical loan organiser in 1991.

Marjorie said: “People who use the service are so grateful and that helps me, because I am helping them.

“It gives me great satisfaction.”

Marjorie was singled out by the Red Cross for her dedication to the charity and her commitment to giving up her time to help others. As well as her usual volunteering duties, Marjorie will be helping the charity launch Red Cross Week 2012, the annual fundraising drive running from May 6 to 12.