Southampton: Barbara Storey awarded Polish National Honour

Barbara Storey has been awarded the Polish National Honour for her work and dedication to her community in Southampton.

It was given to her at a ceremony yesterday by the decision of the President of Poland.

Barbara left her native country to move to Majorca, where both her children were born, with her late husband.

She moved to the UK in 1992 following her husband's death to give her children an education in England.

Here she met Peter, whom she married in 1995 at a church in Warsash.

Barbara Storey being presented with flowers. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

She said: "I found love again, I found an English family.

"I wanted to go back to Majorca with my children, but I fell in love with this place and the country.

"It was Peter who helped me fall in love with England.

"He is a very knowledgeable man, he taught me all of the English history, the heritage, and I fell in love.

"I came from a communist country where they were lying about the West.

"Through Peter, I learned the proper history.

"My heart is shared by both Poland and England."

Barbara Storey and the team from SOS Polonia. (Image: Daily Echo, Emily Liddell)

In 2005, Barbra launched SOS Polonia in a bid to help Polish migrants settle into Southampton communities.

The group helps Polish migrants settle in the city with support and advice.

Now, Barbara says it is time to share what they have learned with other communities.

"History is repeating and new people are coming," she said.

"They are facing the same problems. Ukrainians, Afghanis, all refugees coming here from war.

"That is what we plan to do, solidarity in crisis."

Speaking about her award, Barbara said she was "speechless" and thanked her family, her volunteers, and the Southampton community for their support and patience.

The award was presented to her by Piotr Wilczek, the ambassador of Poland, and the Lord Mayor of Southampton Jacqui Rayment.

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