Hats off to top citizen Sarah
DESPITE the coronavirus pandemic, 27 extraordinary people from across the UK are being recognised with the coveted British Citizen Award.
One of them is Sarah Gardner from Uxbridge, Middlesex. Due to the current lockdown, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place. For only the second time in its history, Sarah and the remaining 26 medalists received their BCA medals by courier, together with video messages of congratulations together with an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so.
The British Citizen Award (BCA), in association with One-Stop, is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities. Sarah Gardner is honoured with a BCAv for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving.
Sarah is a chartered manager and fellow of both the Chartered Management Institute and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and works as a projects and improvements manager. She has worked in the public sector for over 20 years, during which time she has undertaken many initiatives to help others, mainly in the area of public safety, but more recently in the areas of mental health and well-being.
Her current voluntary roles include, as an Army Officer for the Army Cadet Force for over 16 years – she is now Assistant Medical Support Officer for the Middx and NW London Army Cadet Force; a school governor; a trustee of Hounslow Community Food Box (a food bank); Vice Chair of Thamesbank Credit Union.
Sarah recently set up two charities and works selflessly to help and improve the lives of others. She is the President Elect and Community Officer for the Rotary Club of Elthorne-Hillingdon and is a dementia champion.
In addition, she is on the committee of Click Rukiga (a charity that is part of
St Giles Church) and volunteers with Hillingdon 4 ALL. She is also part of an alumni programme and gives presentations to inspire young students when she can.
Jonny McQuarrie, managing director from BCA partner One Stop said: “Each time a new group of medalists are selected it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are. We serve many communities up and down the country through the One Stop convenience stores, and these particular individuals being recognised, especially at this time of extraordinary circumstance, reflects all that is good about community spirit. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping them to be recognised”.
Sponsors Experian said: “We are so pleased to present Sarah with her award for making an outstanding contribution to her local community and having a positive impact on society through such a range of projects and groups”.
Messages of support were sent via video from TV personalities Michael Underwood, Matt Allwright, pop superstar Kimberly Wyatt of the Pussycat Dolls, and popular comedian, actor and patron of the BCA Bradley Walsh. Another patron, Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers sent a heartfelt message together with representatives from Places for People and Objective HR.
The British Citizen Award was established in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly making a positive impact on society. The BCA recognises true pillars of the community.
Dubbed the People’s Honours, each medal bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional individuals twice annually. The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor.