A PHYSIOTHERAPIST who has devoted her life to helping adults with learning disabilities and complex physical difficulties to achieve their potential has been awarded a BEM by Her Majesty the Queen.

Christine Ann Hughes, 66, from Denbigh, was the team leader of the learning disabilities team in North East Wales and her work ensured that hundreds of adults could access physiotherapy services.

Mrs Hughes recently took on a new part time role but as there is no provision for people in other areas of North Wales, she voluntarily worked in those areas too, not only providing direct care and treatment, but teaching, mentoring and supporting less experienced staff.

She helps support carers to provide a 24- hour care plan for people with complex learning and physical disabilities and uses her expertise and experience to help staff and carers across North Wales develop their skills and abilities.

Mrs Hughes is a first language Welsh speaker and was described as a model for best practice in bilingual provision across the region.

She works closely with speech and language therapists to ensure that patients with swallowing difficulties are positioned safely for feeding. The impact of this is to reduce aspiration and development of infections in vulnerable people.

Alun Cairns, the UK Government's Secretary of State for Wales, said: “I am delighted to congratulate and recognise the achievements of this year’s deserved recipients of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

“These honours highlight the outstanding achievements and hard work of incredible people across Wales who go above and beyond to better the lives of others.

“I am grateful for their commitment and dedication to communities all over Wales and would like to congratulate them all on their incredible accomplishments – you are an inspiration to us all.”