Queen honours Dolly Wren – perfect neighbour left to bring up a family on her own

Published: 18 June 2010
by PETER GRUNER

AN Islington woman whose husband suddenly walked out, leaving her to bring up three young children on her own has won the MBE.

Dolly Wren’s motor mechanic husband Alb­ert left one day 40 years ago at the age of 30 and was never seen or heard of again. The couple had been married for nearly 20 years.

This week Dolly, 77, was able to forget the past and celebrate her inclusion in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list where she was recognised as a “perfect neighbour”. 

Every morning for the past seven years, she has taken a cup of early morning tea to an elderly neighbour at Isleden House estate, off Prebend Street, at the Angel.

Dolly also takes elderly neighbours to hospital, does their shopping, collects pensions, organises bingo sessions and even lays on pie-and-mash nights.

Her children were devastated when their dad left. Janet was 15, Helen 11, and Stephen  nine. But today, with Dolly’s eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, the family has never been happier. 

“It was a terrible shock when Albert walked out,” she said. “I had no idea he was going. I contacted the Salvation Army missing persons’ office and they said there was evidence he was living in Australia. 

“It was very tough for the kids at first. But they got over it as I have. I’ve never tried to find him and he has never made contact. Sad, but these things happen and you have to live with it.”

Without Albert’s wage, Dolly was forced to do two jobs. One was in a shoe factory during the day and the other cleaning offices at night.

“We didn’t have the kind of social security that people enjoy today,” she said.

“I worked like a skivvy day and night but it paid off. All my kids did really well and I’m very proud of them.”  

Dolly was recommended for the honour by the estate’s management at the City of London Corporation,

She added: “I think my children are more excited than me. I don’t think it’s sunk in yet.”

Among others who received honours was Stuart Etherington, chief executive of Islington-based National Council for Voluntary Organisations, who has received a knighthood in recognition of his work on behalf of the voluntary and community sector.  

He said: “For me, this knighthood is recognition for all those whose hard work, dedication and commitment we sometimes hear too little about.”          

Eileen Gallagher, chief executive of Shed Productions, a media company based in Holford Yard, off Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, was awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting. 

She set up the firm in 1998 with three former colleagues at Granada TV. Since then it has produced TV hits such as Bad Girls, Waterloo Road and Footballers’ Wives.

Ms Gallagher, of Aberdeen Park, Highbury, said: “I’m honoured. I suspect it has to do with my work fighting for changes in legislation for the independent production sector of the TV industry.” 

Dr Jennifer Morris, of Highbury, a researcher, consultant and trainer on disability issues, received an OBE for services to disabled people.

MBE for hospital pharmacist with £150m budget

WHITTINGTON Hospital director of pharmaceutical services John Farrell has been awarded an MBE, writes Tom Foot.

Mr Farrell, 59, said: “I have always felt it is an incredible privilege to work for the health service so to receive this recognition is wonderful. It was such a surprise – I have no idea who nominated me.”

Mr Farrell is responsible for 300 staff at the Whittington, Royal Free and University College hospitals, managing an annual budget of £150m. He said: “I can’t say which is my favourite hospital but I was born in the Whittington and was a patient when I was four with TB, so I have a special relationship with it.”

He has worked at the Whittington since 1982 and was chairman of its research ethics committee for 20 years, leaving the post last year. He is also a founder of the hospital runners’ club, which has raised more than £100,000 for charities.