Irwin Mitchell Sponsors British Citizen Awards

‘Exceptional’ people from across the UK were honoured with a prestigious British Citizen Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday 09 July.

The British Citizen Awards (BCA) recognises inspirational individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact upon society.

Successfully launched in January this year, the second BCA ceremony saw 30 honours and medals given out at a prestigious ceremony hosted by Baroness Wilcox at the Palace of Westminster.

Those receiving medals spanned the generations, with the youngest, Patsy Elliott, aged just 16 and the oldest attending the ceremony, Maureen Brass – who will celebrate her 100th birthday later this month.

Patsy was honoured after overcoming several years of bullying to go on to raising money for the charity that helped change her life. Miss Brass’ dedication to nurturing musical talent in young children for more than 40 years saw her receive her award.

All BCA recipients received a Medal of Honour, inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’. Medallists were also invited to use the initials BCA after their name.

The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched earlier this year to honour the incredible accomplishments of individuals in society who positively impact their communities. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.

Inspirational medallists’ stories included that of a young Carlisle woman, Jodie Vasquez, who has raised more than £22,000 for charity despite having EDS, a a life-limiting, debilitating illness; a cancer-survivor from Solihull, Joyce Rothschild, who has raised more than £100,000 by producing a quiz that s distributed around the world; a husband-and-wife couple from Greater Manchester, Brian and Mary Kay, who have notched up 45 and 44 years voluntary service respectively for their local NHS League of Friends group.

The awards have received backing from several high-profile people, including patrons Sarah,The Duchess of York, , founder and chief executive of palletized freight company, Pall-Ex, Hilary Devey CBE, and Specsavers co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins.

Sarah, Duchess of York, said: “The pace with which we live our lives today often precludes us from appreciating the small kindnesses and gratitude that enrich our lives. The greatest kindness you can afford someone is to listen and it is with great pleasure that I have found the British Citizen Awards. This organisation listens to the citizens of this great country and not only hears the stories but rewards monumental efforts that would have otherwise gone relatively unnoticed.”

Speaking at the awards, Dame Mary told the medallists: “You make the world a more human place to be and I’m very humbled to be with you all today.”

The awards are supported by one of the largest property and leisure management, development and regeneration companies in the UK, Places for People; palletised freight company, Pall-Ex; leading ethical law firm Irwin Mitchell; and leading health and wellbeing mutual community, Benenden.

Mike Faulkner, co-founder of the awards, said: “There are literally thousands of people across the UK making life better for others, and we aim to recognise their efforts through these awards.

“It was truly humbling to attend the awards ceremony and to hear their inspiring – and often moving – stories. These are the people who make our country a great place to be.”

Nominations from all corners of the UK, all cultural backgrounds and from all sectors of the community are being welcomed for the next round of awards, which will be presented in January.

Basil Preuveneers, co-founder of the awards, said: “It is remarkable how many people are positively impacting the lives of those around them without reward or recognition, and it’s fantastic that we can now celebrate them.”

Nominations are free and people can be entered into one of eight different categories. All nominations will be scrutinised by an independent committee, with their choices passed on to an assessment panel for final ratification. Nominees will then be shortlisted to receive one of 30 awards.

To nominate, email nominations@britishcitizenawards.co.uk to request a nomination form, or visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk to find out more.