Unsung heroes are ‘gobsmacked’ after receiving royal recognition
THERE was delight and disbelief from Birthday Honours recipients.
Both John Delaney, who will receive an MBE for his fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, and head teacher Mary McNulty, who is to be given an MBE for services to education, described their surprise at the honour.
John, who began volunteering for the charity following the death of his 15-year-old son Andrew, said: “I’m chuffed to bits.
“I’m totally, totally, utterly gobsmacked.
“When the letter first came in I thought it was a spoof to start with because it was a very ordinary black and white printed letter and I very nearly binned it.
“Then I read it again and then read it again and began to wonder. I asked my wife if she thought it was legit and she said, ‘I hope so – I nominated you for it two years ago.
“I’m very pleased because it’s great for the charity and gets their name in the paper again.”
Mary is head teacher of St Roch’s Primary and Hearing Impaired School, is delighted to be receiving an MBE.
She said: “I am honoured and delighted to receive this prestigious recognition.
“I feel very blessed in my role as a teacher who has been able to work with, inspire, nurture and teach children in Glasgow for almost 40 years.
“In my role as a head teacher, it has been a privilege to support children and families to raise aspirations and to empower them to believe they can achieve whatever they want in their lives.”
There are more than 100 Scottish recipients in this year’s list with Glasgow and the surrounding areas well represented.
Cara O’Donnell, co-founder of east end charity SAMS, receives a BEM.
Professor Brenda Elizabeth Simpson Gibson, lead clinician for Haematology and Oncology Service at Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children, will be given an OBE.
Kevin Hill, NHSGGC’s Director of Women and Children’s Services: “We were delighted to learn of Professor Gibson’s honour.
“Professor Gibson works at the Royal Hospital for children here in Glasgow, where she is the clinical lead for Haematology and Oncology.
“Brenda is internationally recognised as a leading expert in her field and her contribution over the years to children with cancer has been significant.
“This recognition is thoroughly deserved as it reflects her dedication to the highest quality of patient care.”
Professor Anton Muscatelli, the Principal and Vice Chancellor of Glasgow University has been awarded a knighthood in this year’s Birthday Honours.
There was also recognition for two other Glasgow University academics.
Professor David Clark is to receive an OBE for services to education in Dumfries and Galloway and research into end of life care.
Emeritus Professor Graham Watt will receive a CBE for services to health care.
Professor Muscatelli, who has been Principal since October 2009, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this honour. But this is, of course, an award for the whole of the University of Glasgow as much as it for me.”
The chairman of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Professor Leo Martin, has received an MBE in recognition of his services to Healthcare and Education.
Professor Martin, who has been on the board of the Clydebank Hospice for 20 years and chairman since 2005, said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve on the board of the hospice.
“We should also remember the fund raisers who work tirelessly every week to bring in the money that is vital to keep the doors of the Hospice open.”
Former Moderator of the General A ssembly Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood, from Paisley, has been made an OBE.