"Never in a million years": Founder of WW2 veteran support group Project 71 ecstatic at New Year Honours recognition
“I didn’t know what emotion to feel” - Those are the words of a co-founder of a WW2 veteran support group who has been recognised on the New Year Honours list.
What started as a support group quickly evolved into a lifeline for many, with dedicated volunteers taking veterans across Europe to commemorate the fallen at places close to their heart.
More than a decade on and Lorie has now been recognised on the New Year Honours list for 2026, securing a British Empire Medal.
She said: “I’m so excited and I haven’t been able to tell anybody - When the letter came, I shouted and screamed and cried all at the same time because I didn’t know what emotion to feel. Never in a million years did I think that this would happen so I’m very humble.
“I started a local support group for WW2 veterans 11 years ago with a friend of mine - we then thought wouldn’t it be nice to put them in cars and take them all over Europe to places that are special to them.”
Lorie explained that the group “fundraises like mad” for monthly events, benches and plaques for veterans, with memorials at the D-Day Museum, Bletchley Park and the RAF Museum in Lincolnshire.
Most recently, dedicated Project 71 volunteers placed battery-powered lights at graves in Portsmouth and other burial sites in the UK to pay tribute to fallen soldiers at Christmas.
This year Operation Candlelight saw 350 Commonwealth War Graves visited, representing tens of thousands of men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Lorie added: “It might be my name but this is for the team of volunteers we have. I have an idea and they make it happen - This is for them.
“We have 17 veterans with us, the oldest being 103 and the youngest is 99 and they are the most wonderful bunch of people you could ever meet.
“I am so proud and so happy. It’s the best Christmas present.”