Ronnie Vellem wins Lifetime Achievement Award

Everyone at Law Centre NI is proud of the fitting tribute to our beloved friend and colleague, Ronnie, who posthumously won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Advancing Race Equality Awards last night.

Ronnie passed away in February 2022 and there is not a day goes by that he is not missed.  Ronnie had a deep and abiding passion for helping others.  He was tireless in his resolve and he understood that his contribution could change people’s lives – and he did just that.

Law Centre NI Director, Ursula O’Hare, said: “It is very hard to think of a more fitting tribute for Ronnie.  He was an absolute stand for justice.  He could spot an injustice at a hundred paces and in his quiet and unassuming way would get on with what he needed to do to make change happen.”

Friend and colleague, Liz Griffith, said: “Ronnie always had time for everyone.  He would stand up for people – those who had experienced racism or hate crime or hostile immigration policies – and when Ronnie stood up for people over a principle, he wouldn’t budge.”

Everyone at the Law Centre misses Ronnie dearly.  We miss his sense of fun, his quiet, gentle nature and his passion and commitment to helping others.  We thank the North West Migrants Forum for recognising the huge difference he made.  He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.