Inspiring Chloe accepts MBE from Princess Anne
AN inspirational young woman from Glasgow was awarded an MBE as part of the Queen’s birthday honours. Chloe Lawson, from Baillieston, has been volunteering to help young people in her community since she was 14 years old.
The 21- year- old was made MBE for her incredible work with Scottish Sports Futures, through which she founded her own youth club in the East End.
She told the Glasgow Times about the “surreal” moment she was presented with the honour by Princess Anne.
Chloe travelled to Edinburgh with her mum, Elizabeth Hyland, on Wednesday to receive the MBE at a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Chloe said: “We’ve known about my MBE since last June, but nothing compares to how special it feels on the day.
“It still feels very surreal. Sometimes I struggle to believe that I’m only 21 and I’ve already received an MBE, so I’m feeling very, very grateful for that.”
She had the chance to speak to the Princess Royal upon receiving the honour, who shared some kind words with the philanthropist.
Chloe said: “I have done a lot of work with young people that have struggled with their mental health, so she was pretty interested in that.
“At the end of the conversation, she said ‘ it takes the right person in the right place to work with young people’.
“And she said it was clear that I was that right person.
“It was very nice for a member of the royal family to give me a compliment in that way.
“And to say that she believes that I will continue to do great work, which I hope I do.”
Chloe hopes that her MBE will inspire the young people that she works with and show them that they can do anything.
She said: “I would like to show it off to young people that I work with to show them that nothing is out of reach.
“If I can go and meet a member of the royal family, then hopefully, I can inspire them to maybe have the same opportunity in their future as well.”
Chloe is currently in her fourth year at the University of Glasgow, studying Community Development.
She plans to continue working with young people when she graduates.
Her mum Elizabeth said: “I’m super proud of her, she’s worked so hard since she was 14.
“She originally started volunteering as something to do because she was struggling at school, so she got involved with activities through Scottish Sport Futures.
“They got her out volunteering with different organisations and it all stemmed from there.
“She’s actually won a good few awards over the years but nothing compares to an MBE.”
“It was very surreal, it was a great day.”