A local volunteer has been awarded a MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours. Donald McPhie, 90 from Solihull has been bestowed the award for his voluntary services to SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
SSAFA provides lifelong support to anyone who is currently serving or has ever served in the Royal Navy, British Army or Royal Air Force, and their families.
Donald has volunteered for SSAFA since 2004, filling many appointments at the Solihull Branch, including Branch Chairman. However, Donald has gone over and above simply giving his time to through his local branch, he has proceeded to take on further role contributions to the charity, which has proved remarkable.
Beginning in 2010, he took on the role as Region Representative of the West Midlands and in 2012 was selected to become a SSAFA Trustee. In addition to these roles, he is also a member of the SSAFA Public Awareness Advisory Committee, the Strategic Working Group and Board Member of the Health and Social Care Companies.
His wide and varied experience in senior positions at companies including Cadbury Schweppes, the Department of Trade and the Warwick Business School has been crucial to the successful operation and strategic planning for the charity.
Sir Andrew Gregory, Chief Executive at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, comments:
“On behalf of all at SSAFA, I would like to congratulate Donald on being awarded an MBE. His tireless work and contribution to SSAFA over the past 13 years is greatly appreciated and we are grateful for his continued service.
“Without the invaluable efforts of our supporters, SSAFA would not be able to provide level of support that it does to those serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
“We are absolutely delighted that Donald’s hard work has been recognised by Her Majesty The Queen, who we are extremely proud to have as the Patron of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, on Her New Year Honours list.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact the SSAFA Press Office on 0207 463 9321
Notes to editors
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 67,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
