Doncaster people honoured for exceptional service to the community

Professor Jaydip Ray, DL, presented awards to the following recipients during a special ceremony at the Mansion House:

Tony Boyce, who has recently retired after a long career with the Doncaster Deaf Trust as a teacher and archivist. He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving services to, and raising a better understanding of, those living with hearing impairment or deafness.

Peter Mair, Operations Manager for First Bus Doncaster. He has supported a number of charitable initiatives to enable schools and academies to partake in educational and leisure activities. Working with Doncaster Council to promote school visits to local heritage sites.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster. For resilient and visible leadership in her role; ensuring that the widest range of communities are served and that accessible services are provided to make a tangible difference to Doncaster’s residents and visitors.

Bill McHugh – Culture and Transformation Lead, City of Doncaster Council. For his contribution to Culture, Heritage, Libraries and Education across the borough. Working to create new relationships across various sectors to promote and enhance the reputation of Doncaster.

Firefly, Cancer Awareness and Support Organisation. For their remarkable contribution to the lives of those facing the challenges of cancer, through fundraising and practical help to those who need it.

Pat Hagan, Retired City of Doncaster Council employee. For a life-long career in making Doncaster a safer and more pleasant place in which to live and work.

John Minion, Founder/Owner of Yorkshire Wildlife Park – for his contribution to the economic, leisure and charitable aspects of Doncaster’s life.

Damian Allen – Chief Executive, City of Doncaster Council. Displaying strong leadership and vision within the Council in successfully managing the extraordinary challenges currently faced by Local Authorities. His character and positive approach is valued by many.

Rupert Suckling – for dedication to a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives, which have resulted in improvements in health, wellbeing and happiness in a wide range of communities.

Bobbie Roberts – to be awarded posthumously for her remarkable work supporting Doncaster Deaf Trust, Firefly Cancer Awareness and Support and Gurkha Communities. Her award shall be collected by Lord Graham Kirkham KCVO, a close friend of Bobbie’s.

The High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, Professor Jaydip Ray, DL said: “It gives me great pleasure to honour and recognise each award recipient for their years of dedicated service to Doncaster and the county above and beyond their call of duty to make their own distinct contributions to public life.”

The role of High Sheriff is a non-political royal appointment which lasts for one year at a time.

This office has evolved from being a representative of the monarch and judiciary in maintaining the law, to being a promoter of safer communities, supporting agencies who help the vulnerable and those who have made a positive difference to the lives of others.

At the end of their tenure, the departing High Sheriff can recognise, and reward, the contribution of those whom they feel have made exceptional impact on their local communities and supported them in their endeavours.