In a ceremony earlier today Suzanne Fletcher was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE).

Suzanne is known nationally amongst Liberal Democrats for her tireless campaigns in support of refugees and asylum seekers, and in particular for setting up Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary (LD4SOS).

Amazed, humbled to win Lifetime Achievement Award #ALDELeaDeR2016.wonderful to be amongst so many wonderful Liberals doing good work in Eu

— LD4SOS (@LD4SOS) April 25, 2016

Suzanne was a councillor in Stockton on Tees for 30 years until she stood down in 2011. During that time she served as Lib Dem group leader for 23 years, and also as Mayor. In 1995 she was awarded an MBE for political  and public services.

Back in January Alistair Carmichael wrote a post for LDV: Suzanne Fletcher reminds us how one person can make a difference for vulnerable people. He was talking about her ‘red doors’ campaign and said:

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate her and all the Liberal Democrat campaigners who work day in and day out with dogged determination to fight for change and improvement to our local communities up and down the country, often with little reward. On this occasion all that work has paid off and as a result the most vulnerable in our society will hopefully be able to get on with their lives in a little more peace. There will be many other issues and this should serve as a reminder that one person can make a difference and by working together we can ensure that issues can breakthrough into the heart of power.

At the event today in Brussels ALDE presented Local and Regional Politicians Awards in seven categories. Another British Lib Dem was amongst the finalists – Cllr Ray Georgeson, Chair of Otley Town Council, was shortlisted in the ‘Best Elections campaign’  category.

Update

Catherine Bearder MEP, who nominated Suzanne for her award, says:

Throughout her career Suzanne has been a tireless campaigner for the vulnerable and a powerful voice for the voiceless.

She has proved that through endless hard work and commitment to a cause it is possible to achieve real change for the better.

I am delighted her hard work is now being recognised by this prestigious award.