Unsung heroes

THIRTY years ago, I nominated my brother for an honour from the Queen (Mail). At the age of 13 he was a founder member of a Sunday school football team. He then spent 30 years of his own time, even during full-time employment, building up a wellrespected local amateur club. The honour was refused.

After another 30 years, he was one of 150 people presented to Prince William at the FA’s 150th anniversary.

Our Mayor encouraged me to try again for an honour from the Queen.

I spent weeks putting together the nomination, including some wonderful letters of support, some of which made me cry with pride.

The criteria stipulated length of service (he has 60 voluntary years); achievements (from a Sunday school team to a well-established amateur club with a stadium and amazing f acilities); and benefits to the community (500 children every week, plus men’s, ladies’, boys’, girls’ and disabled t eams, with coaches, managers, parents, supporters, plus local college students working with the club to get qualifications) — all because a boy of 13 had t he determination to stick at something about which he felt passionate.

I’m sure there are many others as deserving, if not more so.

I si ncerely hope martial arts Professor Alan Thornton, who has been made an MBE despite some of the sport’s experts saying they have ‘never heard of him’ (Mail), is genuine or it will seriously undermine all the wonderful work so many volunteers put in week in, week out.

Name and address supplied.