'A real surprise': Galashiels youth worker awarded BEM in King's Birthday Honours
The chief executive of TD1 Youth Hub in Galashiels has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.
Douglas Ormston has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to youth work.
He has led TD1 Youth Hub since it was established 13 years ago, overseeing its growth from a small team supporting around 30 young people to a charity which now reaches more than 350 each year.
Speaking after learning of the honour, Mr Ormston told Greatest Hits Radio: "You don't do this work for recognition, so receiving a British Empire Medal came as a real surprise.
"But what means the most has always been seeing young people grow in confidence and find their place and go on to achieve things, and being part of that journey is a real privilege."
Mr Ormston's colleagues at TD1 Youth Hub said the award reflected years of dedication to young people and families across the Scottish Borders.
Chair Peter Croan said: "We are all filled with immense pride for Douglas. His vision, dedication and unwavering commitment have helped transform countless lives and created opportunities for young people across the Scottish Borders."
"Whether supporting vulnerable families during the pandemic, championing youth mental health and wellbeing, tackling issues affecting young people, or ensuring that no young person is left behind, Douglas has consistently gone above and beyond in service to others."
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Elsewhere in the King's Birthday Honours, former NHS Borders chair Karen Hamilton has been awarded an OBE for services to health and the community after helping guide the health board through the Covid pandemic.
She said she was "honoured and humbled" by the recognition.
"My voluntary work at the Eastgate Theatre, as well as community roles with community councils, village halls, church and WRI and so on, have all been done without any expectation of such an award," she said.
"This whole thing is just amazing."
And Barbara Scrimshaw, from Alnwick, has also been awarded a British Empire Medal for charitable service after more than 40 years of fundraising for the PDSA alongside her husband, Brian.
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