Shropshire man, 82, honoured for his volunteer work
An 82-year-old volunteer from Shropshire has been rewarded for six years of selfless service delivering mobile meals to lonely, elderly people.
Bruce Ferguson, from Kinlet, near Bridgnorth, has been collecting hot meals and handing them out to residents at Purcell House, a sheltered housing scheme. He has now been given a British Citizen Award for services to his community.
He delivers up to 49 meals every day of the week, stepping in when the scheme stopped using its kitchen. This year he also delivered supplies when snowbound residents couldn't get out to go shopping.
Bruce was one of 29 medallists to be honoured at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster, receiving a medal of honour and given the privilege of using the initials BCA after his name.
He said: "I was absolutely gobsmacked and I consider it a great honour. I didn’t think I had a chance, with thousands of more deserving people in the community. A really great honour.”
The British Citizen Awards (BCAs) were launched in January 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work to make a positive impact on society. BCAs are awarded twice annually, and recognise ‘everyday’ people whose achievements may otherwise be overlooked.
The awards night event was hosted by TV presenter Michael Underwood, who said: “Having presented the very first British Citizen Awards, it was a real honour to be invited back and a privilege to meet the incredible people being recognised for their contribution to society."
