British Empire Medal - Award

British Empire Medal (BEM) Award

Past District Governor (2013/14) Kevin Walsh has been presented with the British Empire Medal for his voluntary work supporting communities in Carlisle and Cumbria 

The award was presented by Alexandra Scott, the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria at a ceremony at Muncaster Castle in January 2026.   

Kevin has worked alongside several organisations in the area ranging from Age UK (North Cumbria), where he is championing Age Friendly Partnerships; Ramblers Wellbeing Walks, where he is a walk leader in Carlisle; The Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Friend Ambassador and former Chair of Carlisle Dementia Action Alliance. 

Following his involvement on the county resilience group in the aftermath of Storm Desmond Kevin found himself involved in the work of the Cumbria Community Foundation.  Now as Vice Chair of the board and Chair of its main grants committee he says that “I can safely say it’s the best “job” I’ve ever done”.  

Having championed the installation of Public Access Defibrillators across Cumbria & Lancashire as part of a Rotary Foundation Global Grant in 2014/17, Kevin also organised Community Health Fairs, Health events in local auction marts and supported the development of Stroke Awareness in Copeland.  

About the award Kevin says that “As a Rotarian I have always tried to follow our motto of “Service above Self” and whether as a direct result of being in Rotary or, more often than not, as a volunteer in our community I have done what I can to share my skills and knowledge to benefit others.   I was honoured to have been nominated by my peers from several organisations for the award and share it with all those that I have worked with over the years.”

As a direct member Kevin is a member of the Cumbria & Lancashire Hub and is presently the District Learning & Development Facilitator.   He is also a member of the RGB&I Learning & Development Team.