Pat Hume to receive special recognition by Irish Red Cross later today

Pat Hume will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Irish Red Cross later today. 

Given 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it is very fitting that as the year draws to a close, the Irish Red Cross is recognising the role Pat Hume played in Derry and her wider contribution to the politics which ultimately provided the basis for the Good Friday Agreement.

Pat ran operations on the ground, manning John’s constituency office in Derry. She met many young people caught up in the Troubles and dealt with issues presented to her by thousands who were encountering housing problems, social security issues and health and education concerns.

Pat sacrificed her first career as a teacher to undertake this work and didn’t just run one political office; the Hume family home was a thoroughfare for journalists, political visitors and diplomats, and Pat ran proceedings here too, while also taking care of a young family.

Mrs Hume will accept the award at the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards Ball at the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road Dublin later today (24 November).