HER efforts as a codebreaker during the Second World War contributed to shortening the conflict by up to two years, while her fund-raising coffee mornings are legendary.

Now the efforts of Flo Cole are to be recognised by Parkinson’s UK when she receives an Honorary Life Time Membership Award. The presentation to the 95-year-old will be made at the Parkinson’s UK Swindon and District Branch’s autumn concert at the Blunsdon House Hotel next month.

The award comes after Flo’s efforts at a secret establishment at Chicksands Priory in Bedfordshire were recognised by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in 2009 when she received a gold medal.

Prior to transcribing the intercepted German messages she had served in 617Sqn – better known as the Dam Busters – in August 1943, while she was waiting for her training course at RAF Cranwell. Although this was after the famous bombing raid she did meet some of the surviving crew members from that raid.

But her efforts to make the world a better place were not only confined to the war effort.

After the death of her husband Trevor in 2000 at the age of 81, she set about raising as much money as she possibly could in support of Parkinson’s disease sufferers, bringing in more than £11,000 through her coffee mornings.

Dave Logan, the chairman of the Parkinson’s UK Swindon and District Branch, said: “This has only been possible due to the determination of Flo and great support from her daughter Elaine and loyal friends from Shrivenham where she lives and to whom so much thanks is due.

“Over the years one can only imagine the huge mountain of cakes and sandwiches eaten and gallons of tea and coffee drunk in support of Flo’s efforts. This is in addition to the amount of plants, cake, bric-a-brac and raffle prizes to name but a few items donated in support of the mission Flo set herself.

“There is no doubting we owe her much thanks for her unquestionable support and all the funds her 13-year mission has raised for Parkinson’s in memory of Trevor.”

Ensuring her efforts are recognised she will be the focus of the spotlight at the upcoming autumn concert on Monday, November 2 at 7pm.

The concert will feature performances from Swindon Community Choir, U3A Choir, members of Kentwood Choir, Woody and the Old Town Ukes. The evening will be compered by Sheila Harrod.

Tickets costing £10 are available by contacting Roger Shearman on 01793 770957 or e-mailing rshearman43@gmail.com. Alternatively contact Dave Logan on 01793 486407 or email davelogan_parkinsons.swindon@outlook.com.