THE MANAGING Director of Daniel Robinson and Sons, Gary Neill, is to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of his extraordinary endeavours.

The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.

Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ due to the fact that anyone with an OBE, CBE of KBE is ineligible to receive a BCA, this programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.

Gary is one of only 29 individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on 26^th January 2023 and will be honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving.  Gary will receive the coveted BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the post-nominals BCAv as a legacy of his achievements.

Through charity golf days, and fundraising black-tie balls, Gary has raised over £1 million for St Clare Hospice, Harlow; a Hospice that he has supported since its inception and of which he is a Patron. He has also raised money for Farleigh Hospice and Isabel Hospice. 

He has supported local clubs in the community, including bowls and football, and over the years, through many charity golf days, has raised over £200,000 for a variety of local projects. More recently, funds from the Golf Days have been used to help six local children with cerebral palsy, these events alone have raised over £550,000.

The money is used to pay for the children’s vital specialist physiotherapy, unavailable through the NHS, which significantly improves their mobility as they grow, and which will lead on to greater independence for them all in the future.

Gary has been a funeral director for 46 years and looked after thousands of bereaved families. He joined family-owned funeral directors, Daniel Robinson & Sons, as managing director, 36 years ago.  He is committed to providing a caring and professional service to the community he serves and has given his time over the years to raise money for very many good causes. 

“This year’s medalists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Jack Taylor Head of Community Partnerships, One Stop.

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter and BCA Patron, Nick Knowles, and attended by another BCA Patron, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award (BCA) was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. 

Each medalist has a day to remember befitting their achievements. At the Palace of Westminster medals will be presented by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, and Big Bus London, who all support this unique programme. Medalists then board an Open Top Lap of Honour tour before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House. 

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavor and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain. The Medal presentation is held twice annually, January and July, to nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk.