Wales’ Operations Director, Sue Phelps, awarded with MBE.

Sue has worked in the voluntary sector in England and Wales for over 30 years.

Now Director, Sue has performed many tasks in her long-standing career at the Society and first started as an Administrator, following the death of her grandfather who had Alzheimer’s disease, and has since held a number of service development and management posts within the organisation before becoming Director in 2012.

There are 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales and 35 Dementia Friendly Communities which is rapidly increasing. Wales are also very close to implementing their first dementia strategy of which Sue has played a pivotal role in influencing.

On receiving the news of the Honour, Sue said:

'This award is such a tremendous honour. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last twenty years working at Alzheimer’s Society and am still as passionate about the cause as when I first joined.

'I am proud to play my part in raising much needed awareness of dementia and doing as much as I can to ensure services and support are available, when needed, for people living with dementia right across the country.'

'This is an exciting time for the Society and Wales in particular with the new dementia strategy on the horizon and I am excited by the challenges and opportunities that are sure to come. I am confident that we can transfer the dementia landscape and will continue to make a real difference to the lives of those individuals and families who are living with dementia.'

Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes said:

'This is a very well deserved recognition of amazing service. Sue has worked relentlessly over the past two decades for Alzheimer’s Society and people with dementia. I am extremely proud of Sue’s achievement; as a colleague and a friend.  She is inspirational to work with and I know is determined to ensure everyone in Wales understands better and can support people affected by dementia.'