Mrs Lucy Whittingham, of Auckland, MNZM for services to the deafblind community
Mrs Lucy Whittingham, of Auckland, for services to the deafblind community
Lucy Whittingham was a founding member of the Quality of Life Trust. Drawing on her experiences with her deafblind son, she saw the need for a support system for those with deafblindness to carry on past the expected support of their parents as they aged. The Quality of Life Trust bought a house for five young adults with deafblindness to live in, which employs full-time staff and provides a variety of services and activities for the residents. Mrs Whittingham has served as the Chairperson of the Trust for more than 20 years and has contributed to the community as an advocate, supporter, mentor and administrator.