Former Burnley MP, Peter Pike, has received a special medal in recognition of his long-standing voluntary service to Emmaus Burnley.
Peter was a founding member of Emmaus Burnley and played a leading role in our charity’s creation and growth within the town. Emmaus Burnley now supports formerly homeless people by providing a home, work, training and individual support.
To celebrate Peter’s outstanding voluntary service to Emmaus and the people we support, he has received an Emmaus UK 30th Anniversary Founders’ Medal.
Commenting on the medal, Peter said: “I am delighted to win this most unexpected award, especially when I see the list of those I join in receiving the Founders’ Medal. I fully support the work of Emmaus which has done a great job in helping to rebuild lives here in Burnley and in so many places in the world. The wording on the medal is so moving and indicates the motives that underline the work of Emmaus.”
Spearheaded by Peter, a steering group formed in 2005 with the aim of opening an Emmaus community to alleviate homelessness in Burnley. The group secured funding and support which led to Emmaus Burnley officially opening in January 2011.
2021 marks the 30th anniversary of Emmaus in the UK and there are now 29 Emmaus communities across the country. Emmaus Burnley was the UK’s twentieth Emmaus community, opening twenty years after the first.
Stephen Buchanan, Director at Emmaus Burnley, said: “This award is very well deserved! Without Peter, Emmaus Burnley would not exist and all the people we have supported over the years may not have received the help that they needed to progress.
“Peter has given more than 15 years of voluntary support to Emmaus Burnley, providing leadership, guidance, organising key meetings, fundraising and much more. As a team, we are extremely grateful and proud of all he has achieved and the support he continues to give.”
Emmaus Burnley now supports up to 24 formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work for as long as they need it.