A COMPANY director is to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster following his incredible charity work in the community.

Gary Neill, who lives in the Colnes area, is to be given the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) later this month.

The British Citizen Award is now in its ninth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities.

Dubbed the "People’s Honours" because anyone with an OBE, CBE or KBE is ineligible to receive a BCA, the programme recognises community heroes for their positive impact on society.

Mr Neill will be one of only 29 individuals to be honoured at the Palace of Westminster on January 26, and will receive the coveted Medal of Honour for services to volunteering and charitable giving. 

Braintree and Witham Times:

Mr Neill has been a part of Daniel Robinson and Sons funeral directors, which has offices across Essex, including Braintree, Halstead and Dunmow, for more than three decades.

Through charity golf days and black-tie balls, he has raised more than £1million for St Clare Hospice, in Harlow, which he has supported since its launch and where he is a patron.

He has also raised money for Chelmsford's Farleigh Hospice and Isabel Hospice, in east Hertfordshire.

Mr Neill has also supported a range of clubs in the community, including bowls and football, and over the years, through many charity golf days, has raised more than £200,000 for a number of projects.

READ MORE >> Firm's annual charity golf day raises record-breaking £47,000

More recently, funds from the golf days have been used to help six local children with cerebral palsy, raising more than £550,000.

The money is used to pay for 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 in the future.

The British Citizen Awards are sponsored by One Stop.

Spokesman Jack Taylor said: “This year’s medalists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time.

“Our congratulations go to all honourees.”