Chrissie looks back on a Day to Remember

The excitement began on 14 November 2025 with a press release. AIMS had been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, for our incredible volunteer work.

Fast forward to 13 August 2026 and our Award Ceremony at Aberdeen Town House. The event was hosted by Dr David Cameron, Lord Lieutenant for the City of Aberdeen.

The Town House is a grand old building dating back to the 1870's. It has gorgeous wood panelling on the stairs and in the rooms. Such a grand location called for posh outfits. It was lovely to see everyone looking so glam!

The KAVS award itself is a certificate signed by the King and a beautiful piece of engraved crystal in a lovely presentation case. Dr David Cameron, Lord Lieutenant for the City of Aberdeen presented Brenda with the crystal and myself with the certificate. It was a privilege to accept the certificate on behalf of AIMS Management Team, our Volunteers, Instructors and class participants.

I thanked David for our award and said “a few words” letting those present know about AIMS's latest achievements. The first one was our fantastic Kilt Walk in June which raised an amazing £7,000. Thanks to Sandra for co-ordinating that event.

Our next achievement was in putting the £7,000 to good use. It has allowed us to add face to face Technogym and Pilates, as well as online Neuro Exercise and Seated Zumba to our class timetable. Thanks to Sandra, Ian and John for a power of work getting these classes up and running in such a short space of time.

Ian then thanked Audrey Walker for her nomination, our Trustees and Partners, some of whom were able to be with us to celebrate our incredible award. Representatives were present from Aberdeen Action on Disability, Dyce MS Therapy Centre, The Friends of the Neuro Ward, Aberdeen Health and Social Care Partnership as well as Mia Middleton, one of our Instructors.

Norman Adams, Aberdeen City Council photographer, took a few photos, a couple are reproduced here with kind permission . It was an honour for Brenda and I to have our photo taken with the Lord Lieutenant beside King Charles’s portrait.

With the formalities over we all retired next door for refreshments. There was a choice of hot and cold drinks and a beautiful selection of pastries.

It was good to mingle with familiar faces and put faces to names we had heard of, but not previously met. There was a great buzz in the room with everyone chatting away. We had arrived as strangers in some cases and all left as friends. It was also an opportunity for our guests to see our award up close. All too soon it was 16.30 and time to go home, but the memory will live on forever.

Chrissie Kennedy - AIMS Trustee

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