Gerry’s hero honour
A community activist from Shotts has been nominated as a“local hero”by a Labour MSP.
Gerry Murphy was nominated by Central Scotland MSP Richard Leonard for his sterling work with St Patrick’s Furniture Project in the town and the St Patrick’s Picnic Group.
As part of the day’s celebrations to mark the Queen officially opening the Scottish Parliament later this week local heroes from across Scotland will march down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
Each of the 129 MSPs is entitled to put forward the name of a suitable candidate to take part in the procession as a mark of honour.
Richard said:“In my view Gerry Murphy is a true local hero. A community activist who voluntarily and without reward invests a huge amount of his own time supporting his local church and community.
“He is a board member of the St Patrick’s Furniture Project in Shotts, and the St Patrick’s Picnic Group which runs the annual trip.
“I only learned recently that the trip has its roots in a community response to the 1926 General Strike and the need to provide some relief to the effects of poverty being experienced by children in the parish.
“The fact that this is the 90th anniversary of that makes it particularly fitting that Gerry is recognised in this way.
“The work of the Furniture Project is also impressive, not only recycling and re-using furniture and white goods but in providing training and work experience to put people into employment and further education.
“Gerry Murphy is pivotal to these organisations. He gives up endless hours to organise and fund raise, but never seeks recognition for the contribution he makes.
“That’s why I wanted him to be recognised as our local hero.”