‘One of life’s gentlemen’ - honoured for services to people with Parkinson’s in Co Antrim

Well-known Ballymena man, former Deputy Mayor James McClean, has been honoured with the Members of the Order of the British Empire award in Her Majesty’s Birthday Honours List.

Now retired from local politics, James is the Chairperson of Ballymena and District Branch of Parkinson’s UK, and it is in this role that the dedicated community volunteer is recognised for ‘services to people with Parkinson’s in County Antrim’.

Commenting on being included on the Queen’s Honours List, the overwhelmed and unassuming James said:

“I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard about the award. I felt that there were more people in the community deserved an award rather than I, but I am very humbled and excited to receive it.”

James’ involvement with the national charity began 21 years ago.

Talking to Love Ballymena on Wednesday afternoon, he explained:

“My then place of employment, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive ran a seminar in Twickenham House, Ballymena, in 2001. At the seminar there were various charities giving out information about their work - one of them was The Parkinson’s Disease Society.

“I spoke to them about Parkinson’s and following discussions with Parkinson’s UK (PUK) in the HQ London, I was asked to help with the formation of group for PUK in Ballymena, along with five other persons including my wife Anna (who agreed to be Secretary).

“I was keen to get involved because Anna herself had recently been diagnosed Parkinson’s Disease.”

On the 9 February 2000, at the age of 50 years old, James’ beloved Anna received her diagnosis.

“Over the next two years she continued to work but eventually she had to retire on health grounds,” James shared. “She was treated by a Consultant Neurologist who was very kind and encouraging and who prescribed medication which helped with mobility and alleviated other symptoms of Parkinson’s, but gradually her condition deteriorated and became much worse.

“When Anna’s speech and swallow was effected, and she became very frail, she was admitted to the Royal Victoria Hospital In Belfast with a very severe chest infection. The consultants, doctors, nurses and all the ancillary staff in the RVH were excellent and did all they could to keep Anna alive.

“Sadly, after nine weeks in hospital her condition became much worse and she died on 31 October 2016.”

During this very painful and challenging time, James came to fully understand the worth and appreciate the value of support he received from his own family circle, his faith family at High Kirk Church, and from the members of the Ballymena and District Branch PUK.

Following Anna’s death, James thought to resign from his role with the Ballymena PUK Branch, but with some strong encouragement from the members, he was persuaded to continue as chairman.

Asked why he continues with his work in the charity’s Ballymena Branch, James responded with words full of care and kindness:

“I simply enjoy helping people, and especially people who have Parkinson’s.

“My vision for the Branch is that it will provide a safe place for members to meet and make friends, share experiences and encourage one and another to lead normal and purposeful lives.”

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor William McCaughey commented saying:

“On behalf of our Council, congratulations to all those recognised in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“I am delighted that former Deputy Mayor of Ballymena James McClean has been awarded. I've known James personally for many years and I cannot think of anyone more worthy of receiving this honour from Her Majesty.

“James truly is one of life’s gentlemen and has dedicated so much of his time to serving his community.

“He is a fantastic ambassador for Ballymena, and a tireless advocate for efforts to raise awareness of and combat Parkinson’s disease - a cause extremely close to his heart.

“This award is fitting recognition of his own selflessness and desire to help others.”

James has managed to keep news of his special recognition a secret since finding out, and says he has no plans at present for celebrating.

No doubt, now that his family, friends, and and all those whom he has supported over the years know of his news, celebrations will be afoot.