Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Glasgow British Red Cross volunteer receives BEM for his work during the pandemic

A British Red Cross volunteer from Glasgow was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours list.

David Mackay joined the organisation in May 2020, most recently supporting the cause across West Central Scotland through the Covid 19 pandemic.

The 40-year-old received the news of his BEM whilst he was at work.

READ MORE: Glasgow dad's bucket list for family after ending terminal cancer treatment

He said: “My day job is in a bank.

“I work in Technology, so I wanted to do something completely different in my spare time. I was looking at opportunities to be more hands-on in my community and that’s when I came across the Red Cross.

"I love being a volunteer as I get to meet people and give something back. Everyone we support is so grateful.

“I work in CyberSecurity so naturally I assumed it was a scam. I was about to delete the message but the more I read, the more I began to realise it was real.

"When it eventually sank in, I couldn’t believe that someone had gone to the trouble of nominating me.

“I feel really honoured, but also a bit embarrassed. I work as part of a team, so I feel like this is an award for all of us.

"It is so rewarding being a Red Cross volunteer already, but to be recognised in this way is a bit overwhelming to be honest.”

The emergency response volunteer was nominated for his hard work and dedication during the height of the Covid pandemic.

David delivered food parcels, helped in Covid test centres and personally delivered prams, nappies and toiletries to pregnant mums struggling to access vital supplies during lockdown.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Mike Adamson is delighted that David is getting recognition for his work during this challenging time.

He said: “David exemplifies the characteristics of a British Red Cross volunteer. He is inspiring, dedicated and leads by example.

"During the pandemic, David was part of a team providing 300 food parcels a day to those who were isolating. David has continually taken on more responsibility in his roles offering invaluable support to the emergency response team in the area.

"His passion and commitment to support vulnerable communities is remarkable and humbling.

“I would like to congratulate David on this award and thank him for his vital work with the British Red Cross. We are incredibly lucky to have his continued support.”

READ NEXT:

Archbishop of Glasgow leads tributes to former Pope Benedict XVI

Glasgow volunteers, professor and footballers named on New Year Honours list

Glasgow pubs 'set to stay open until 1am' in 2023 to boost city centre trade

Glasgow City Council dishes out 200 fines against fly-tipping from 2019 to 2022

Rangers 'immensely saddened' as fan dies on supporters' bus after match

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.