Local Volunteers Named as Coronation Champions
Allan Cockram and Roger Smith's efforts for the community recognised
Allan Cockram (centre holding scarf) with the Brentford Penguins
April 28, 2023
Two people working in the borough of Hounslow are among the 500 people across the country who have been named as Coronation Champions.
The awards, run by the Royal Voluntary Service with Her Majesty the Queen Consort, picked the winners out of thousands of nominations who “dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering”.
Allan Cockram is a former professional footballer and founder of the Brentford Penguins a charity for Downs Syndrome children which organises football sessions. He is also involved in a range of other good causes, such as helping ex-footballers with dementia.
Roger Smith, is Chair of the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group and co-chair of London Borough of Hounslow Disability and Equality Group which brings together third sector partners from across the borough to discuss and act on areas of concern for older and disabled members of the community. He is also Chair of the Hounslow Health Primary Care Network Patient Participation Group.
He said, “I am delighted that I have been chosen to receive this award and feel honoured to have been recognised. I have only ever wanted to make things better for local people and feel that this is as much an award for all those who I work with as it is for me. Thank you to all those that put forward my nomination.”
Hounslow Council Leader, Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, said, “Roger is a very dedicated resident who devotes much of his time to working with local groups and individuals, and he has been instrumental in growing the membership of the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group. I am so pleased to see his efforts being honoured, as his continued dedication is helping to improve health services in Hounslow for hundreds of residents.”
Niall Bolger, Chief Executive of Hounslow Council, said: “To be recognised as a Coronation Champion is an incredible achievement. Roger’s enthusiasm and selfless commitment within his community is remarkable and his continued dedication on working to improve services for local people is inspirational to us all.
“We are very lucky to have him as a resident within our borough and I would like to thank him on behalf of all the colleagues of Hounslow Council whose work he supports.”
Anne Stratton, Director of Hounslow’s Borough Based Partnership, said: “Roger is one of those people who is always there, always championing the concerns of local people. We are very lucky to have such a committed individual locally. I know that I speak for all those who work in the Borough Based Partnership when I say that this is a very well deserved award.”
The Community Champions receive a badge as well as a certificate signed by the King and Queen and will be invited to the King’s concert at Windsor Castle on 7 May.
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