A COMMUNITY hero from Solihull has been honoured with a coveted British Citizen Award.
Tracie Pal is one of 27 extraordinary people from across the UK who have been recognised with the award.
Due to lockdown, the usual grand medal presentation ceremony at The Palace of Westminster is unable to take place and so for only the second time in its history, Tracie and the remaining 26 medalists received their BCA medals by courier, together with video messages of congratulations and an invitation to the House of Lords at a date yet to be determined, when it is safe to do so.
The British Citizen Award (BCA), in association with One-Stop, is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities.
Tracie Pal is honoured with a BCAc for Services to the Community.
Tracie has been committed to supporting the local community for more than 40 years.
Her volunteering saw her set up Solihull Jobs to help people find work, and from that developed a website where companies could advertise their vacancies for just £20.
Money raised from the website is donated locally and helped save a local bowling club and provided special fans for a cancer ward.
For 17 years Tracie has been working for the King George Memorial Hall, a registered charity which supports many different local needs.
This includes fundraising for gardening club, churches, a local school to buy swimming equipment, and getting the first defibrillator installed in the village.
Tracie then arranged for more than 30 people in the village to receive training on how to use it.
Not only that, but she also organised a calendar shoot for Breast Cancer awareness which raised over £4,000.
For 2021 has produced another calendar for Prostate awareness.
Tracie also runs the Local Street Watch Group and is constantly raising money to help clothe and feed the homeless.
Jonny McQuarrie, managing director from BCA partner One Stop said: “Each time a new group of medalists are selected it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are.
” It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping them to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all 27 honourees.”
The British Citizen Award was established in 2015, to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly making a positive impact on society.
