A LOCAL disability champion has been awarded the highest honour that a council can bestow.

Barrow Mayor Hayley Preston called Margaret Burrow MBE a 'fitting' recipient of what will be one of the final Freedoms of Barrow awarded before the council's abolition next year.

The Mail: The Mayor of Barrow, Councillor Hayley Preston, and Sam Plum, Chief Executive of Barrow Borough Council, presenting Margaret Burrow MBE with the Freedom Scroll.The Mayor of Barrow, Councillor Hayley Preston, and Sam Plum, Chief Executive of Barrow Borough Council, presenting Margaret Burrow MBE with the Freedom Scroll. (Image: Barrow Council)

Margaret Burrow has spent decades campaigning on behalf of disabled people after she lost her mobility in the 1970s.

She said: "This means a lot to me because it is an accolade from local people.

"I have lived in Barrow all my life and I would not want to be anywhere else. I know so many brilliant people here. Those who have helped me and those who I have helped.

"When I became disabled, I saw it as cruel and unfair. But 42 years later, I have realised that is not true. My disability has helped me have empathy for those in the local area who are disabled and motivated me to help them."

In a ceremony in Barrow Town Hall, Mrs Burrow was made a Freewoman of the Borough in the grand Banqueting Hall. The Mayor, preceded by the Mace, opened the ceremony, before Councillor Kevin Hamilton read the Lord's Prayer.

The roll of Honarary Freewoman was signed by Mrs Burrow and she made a short speech, as did her daughter Leasil, in characteristically modest fashion, acknowledging that she did not work alone and thanking all who help her do good work in the borough.

Mayor Hayley Preston said: "It is fitting that one of the last people to get the Freedom is Margaret who has put so much into the town.

"She has a warm personality and makes time for everyone.

"She has brought a lot of money back into the borough to help the most vulnerable at the time that they need it most."

Mrs Burrow was awarded an MBE in 2002 and an Order of Mercy medal in 2006.