Lord Lieutenant presents trio of honours to proud Glaswegians

A fierce campaigner and philanthropist, a theatre nurse and a charity worker were presented with honours at Glasgow City Chambers.

Lord Provost Eva Bolander, in her role as Lord Lieutenant, hosted the awards ceremony where William Mann, Elizabeth 'Lily' Hendry and Cara O'Donnell respectively received a CBE and BEMs.

The Lord Provost said: "It's my immense pleasure to present these awards, on behalf of HM The Queen, to remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to making this city a better place. They are the 'People who make Glasgow'.

"We owe them a huge debt and it's an honour to join them today and have this opportunity to thank them, on behalf of the city and the Palace, for their special contributions to our city."

Mr Mann (83), from Kelvinside, received the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the sports, recreation, the arts and charity.

The William Mann Foundation has gifted more than £2m to charitable causes since it was set up in 1989 including: the University of Glasgow Small Animal Hospital, the Chapel Organ Appeal and funding scholarships for Scottish students studying abroad.

The Foundation also supported the Kelvingrove Organ Appeal, the Royal National Scottish Orchestra and musicians' sponsorship.  

Meanwhile, Mr Mann saved the Scottish Football Association millions of pounds, following fierce campaigning, securing Scottish clubs the same rate reduction as their English counterparts.

Similarly, he successfully championed the cause of amateur sports clubs. Calling for a VAT exemption for membership subscriptions - leading to a windfall, in years of backdated funds, for local clubs across the UK.

In addition, he secured further tax benefits for local sports organisations in his campaign to prevent the sale of prime-site facilities to developers for personal gain.

Mr Mann will be joined at the ceremony by his children Ainsley, Bruce and Sarah.

Bruce said: "I know, he's very proud to be receiving this award. Although he would never say it.

"The two things my father is proudest of is the William Mann Foundation, which my late mother, Aileen, encouraged him to set up and saving the Western Baths. He's still the Western Baths Secretary and has been since 1977."

Elizabeth 'Lily' Hendry (79) still works as a theatre scrub nurse at the Golden Jubilee Hospital. She came relatively late to the profession, in her late 30's, training at the Royal Infirmary.

Lily, from Robroyston, receives the BEM in recognition of her services to the Golden Jubilee Hospital.

Lily, said: "I had six children with my first husband and my youngest son with my second. I also looked after two foster children. I just felt I wanted to do something for myself. So, I joined the Western Infirmary as an auxiliary nurse."

She's also visited Africa on several occasions helping at a burns and reconstruction clinic. As well as orphanages and an Aids Hospital.

Lily said: "The nuns took me into the Aids Hospital and this woman put her hand out to me, and then I kissed her on the forehead. When I walked away I was crying and remember saying, 'I wish I could let that woman know I care.' The nun replied, 'you already did'."

Lily said: "I feel very honoured actually, to receive this BEM."

Cara O'Donnell (29) has been involved in charity work since she was a teenager encouraged by her mum, Karen. Her BEM is for services to charity.

Cara's brother, Robert survived meningitis and Karen was involved in fundraising to help others affected by the disease. The other twin, Michael sadly died in a road accident. Cara's mum subsequently set up a charitable foundation in his memory.

These experiences encouraged Cara to get involved in charity work. Initially, while at school, with the help of a teacher. Volunteering at a club supporting children with additional support needs. When it folded they set up SAMs doing similar work in 2012.

It's a voluntary post where Cara, and her team of volunteers, help around 40 children and their families. Offering professional care, respite and entertainment. She also runs an associated club at a local church.

SAMs also organises and funds, outings and an annual holidays to Scarborough for East-end families who might otherwise, not receive a break. The charity is constantly fundraising to support its work.

Cara said: "I'm in shock, really, and excited. I still don't really know why I'm getting it. I don't feel I've done anything outstanding. It's just normal life for me but obviously, other people feel differently."