Fuel poverty campaigner Maria Wardrobe is celebrating today after it was announced she will receive an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honour’s List 2020.
Maria will receive the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to fighting fuel poverty, achieved through her work for charity National Energy Action.
For 26 years she committed her professional career to changing the lives of people who live in cold, damp and unhealthy homes. In her most recent role as Director of Communications she led regional and national campaigns, spoke passionately about the issue in the media, and brought together Government, Business and others to help find solutions to the challenges. She retired in late 2019 but joined NEA’s Board of Trustees to continue to fight for the cause she cares so much about.
Maria said: “I am both delighted and humbled that I am being awarded an OBE in HM The Queen’s Honours list for services in tackling fuel poverty.
Over the 26 years I worked at NEA I was part of a fantastic team of dedicated and passionate individuals. This award is recognition of all their efforts, not just mine. As the Covid-19 crisis deepens those in fuel poverty will need help more than ever, and I am pleased to be able to continue to support them in a voluntary capacity as a Trustee of the charity’.
Adam Scorer, Chief Executive of NEA said: ‘’We are thrilled that Maria’s years of campaigning have been recognised. Always positive, always supportive and always utterly focused on making a difference for people in fuel poverty. Maria was the heartbeat of NEA and no-one deserves such an honour more.’’
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Notes
- Release issued by National Energy Action. For more information contact Sarah Wright, Head of Communications on 07884371913 / sarah.wright@nea.org.uk. Maria can also be contacted directly for comment or interview on 07542678435
- NEA is the national fuel poverty charity, working to ensure that everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can stay warm and safe at home. www.nea.org.uk
