A Whitehaven man who turned a traumatic life event around to help others in the same situation has been recognised with a national honour.

Raymond Canning, 52, of Whitehaven, has received a British Citizen Award for his services to volunteering and charitable giving.

Having suffered a stroke at 46, he was forced to give up his job as a pipe fitter due to health issues.

However, after battling back, Ray now volunteers at the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Scheme’s Speech After Stroke Scheme – the very scheme that helped him in his darkest time.

He has volunteered at the group for the past two-and-a-half years and attends several group sessions on a weekly and monthly basis. During that time, he has been keen to attend courses to help in in his voluntary role.

Ray said: "I’m very happy to be receiving the award but I don’t really like a lot of fuss and I don’t do what I do for any recognition. I volunteer at the stroke club as my way of giving something back because it was a fantastic support to me in the early stages after I had my stroke.

“I was a healthy 46-year-old until it happened and my life changed overnight – and the lives of my family. I’m still not fully recovered. My family and friends have been a great support but sometimes you just feel as though you are on your own and you need something like the stroke club to help you through it.

“I’m happy to volunteer there and talk to people to help them - and I get something out it too.”

Ray, is one of 30 medallists who will be honoured at a prestigious ceremony on July 6, at the Palace of Westminster.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on society.

Ray was nominated for a BCA by Speech After Stroke Scheme volunteer coordinator, Alison Tams, who said: “Ray stands out as award winning as not only has he overcome his own health issues but he has turned an extremely traumatic life event around and now is using his own experience to positively help others who are in similar situations.

“Stroke happens, for the most part, without warning and can have devastating effects so Ray is meeting people at one of the worst and most frightening times of their lives,'' she said: "It takes a very special kind of person to be able to revisit their own difficulties in order to help others and Ray does this willingly with an honestly and empathy that is humbling to see.”

All BCA recipients have positively impact society undertaking various activities in support of a number of causes. Each will receive a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and they are invited to use the initials BCA after their name.