March 2021 saw the Lundie Memorial Award going to Mae Valle, chosen from a number of very strong nominations for her selfless dedication to supporting children through her church involvement and Brownies and Guides.

18-year-old Mae was nominated by the Children's and Families Minister at Harpenden URC, Thames North, who shared with us her reasons for putting forward Mae's name: 

"Mae has grown up in our Church family and has always played an active role both in worship preparation when part of Junior Church, Nativity play productions and helping to “shepherd” the young children into place and learn their lines/songs etc. She would prepare the craft activities for our Kangaroo Club, spending many hours cutting out shapes and craft materials. Mae has always helped at our Church fellowship events and special services.

Despite Mae having Autism with severe anxieties and a learning disability this has not prevented her helping others in both service of our Church and forwarding Gods Kingdom here on earth and through her work in our URC Pre-School as a volunteer assistant. Mae is currently working towards a level 2 NVQ in childcare and has learned Makaton to help the children understand learning in a deeper way. Mae has a great way of communicating with younger Children who themselves have learning challenges. Mae is also a young leader at both Brownies and Guides although due to Covid 19 has suspended this for obvious reasons. Life is difficult for all our young people especially at the moment, yet Mae rises to challenges she faces not only in regular life but in the service of God despite having to have 24 hr care and supervision herself.

The Lundie Award is great recognition for someone as selfless as Mae." 

Mae was delighted to hear that she had been awarded the Lundie medal and certificate. "I decided to put the money towards new resources and storage unit at the back to help Sharon and the leaders to make play more accessible for the new groups. I want to thank Sharon for putting me forward for the award along with all those that organise and manage the Lundie award scheme."

Also nominated during March were Rebecca Robinson (23), who works alongside Mae and has also redesigned the church website, and Emily Meachin (24) from Wessex for her role on the synod youth executive.