71-year-old Cape Breton man awarded high-honour medal for volunteer work

Brian Murray sits with his King Charles III Coronation Medal on his chest. (CTV/Ryan MacDonald)

Brian Murray's living space is all decorated for the holidays, and the Cape Breton man himself was 'decorated' in a different way not too long ago.

The 71-year-old New Waterford, N.S., native was recently given the King Charles III Coronation Medal for his years of volunteer work in the community, including helping lead Camp Breton Dean – a summer camp for youth along the Mira River.

"Putting man-hours in is, I guess, the best way I can describe it,” Murray said. "To help other people who are a lot less fortunate than I've ever been in my whole life."

Murray calls himself a fortunate man despite living in hospice care after being diagnosed with a serious form of liver disease.

"Two-and-a-half years, maximum,” Murray said of his prognosis.

The medal was initially set to be handed out in February, but given the uncertainty surrounding Murray's health, Sydney-Victoria member of Parliament Jaime Battiste decided to present it to him sooner rather than later.

"It's well-deserved. I've known Brian for a long time,” said friend Allan Burke. "He's been a good friend for many, many years to a lot of people in this community and hopefully he will get back to his feet and back to doing what he does."

As optimistic as he is, Murray is also doing the best he can to be at peace with the worst-case outcome.

"I know that my God is waiting for me,” Murray said through tears. "And when he wants me, I'll be there."

Overall, Murray says he considers himself a lucky man for experiencing everything he has.

"Yes I do,” Murray said. "I feel extremely fortunate that I've experienced everything up to [now], if it's that close to the end."

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