OAM for Maitland's Pat Allen

So when she moved here as a 19-year-old to marry the man she loves, Mrs Allen devoted herself to caring for people.

Now aged 72, she has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as founder and president of Friends of Palliative Care, Maitland, which she established in 1985, and for her volunteer work with Fr Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets.

“It is my passion because I did not want to see families separated when a loved one has to go for medical treatments,” Mrs Allen said.

“I used to travel to Sydney to be with the lady who owned our house and it would tear me apart when I had to leave her [in hospital].”

Friends of Palliative Care raises funds for equipment and support of people with cancer and any other medical condition.

“It provides them with the best possible care and rest at home or in hospital along with grief and bereavement support for their families,” Mrs Allen said.

We have the best doctors and nurses and we support them through our fund-raising and it is all done with dignity.”

But Mrs Allen insists she can not take all the credit.

“The Friends of Palliative Care committee is so lucky to have some of its original members who are still working tirelessly,” she said.

“I am only one person, a figurehead, and I am so proud of what the committee has achieved.”

And Mrs Allen feels she is the luckiest person in Maitland.

“I have been taken into people’s friendships after coming here not knowing anyone,” she said.

“So many people helped me and I want to help ­others in return because I care about people.

“I have five children and 15 grandchildren and they are all beautiful human beings.”