The Branch's First Honory President
1 November 2005

The Association has awarded Ken Hylton the distinction of being appointed Honorary President of the Tyne & Wear Branch.

Honorary Presidency is a rare bestowal and is only made on the approval of the Association's Trustees. It was conferred on Ken by the Chief Executive of the Association, Kirstine Knox, at a special Branch meeting on 1 November.

Kirstine Knox presents the award to Ken Hylton

The award is in recognition of Ken's many years of dedication to the MND Association cause, first as Branch Treasurer, then as Branch Chair and more recently as Branch Ambassador-At-Large. It also recognises Ken's special personal qualities, which have gained him particular respect and affection and make him an excellent representative for the Association.

The official 'citation' can be downloaded in PDF format (46k) or read online here.

The award was a complete surprise to Ken. He only began to realise that "something was afoot" when he saw that his son, daughter and son-in-law had quietly joined the meeting and that a slideshow seemed to be specially concerning itself with him.

But, like a veteran trouper, he quickly recovered from his surprise. In responding to the award and to the presentation of a bottle of champagne from Branch members, Ken was able to demonstrate what a star performer he is and why he is so eminently suitable to be the Branch's first Honorary President.

Ken with his certificate and champagne