An East Kilbride community champion has been praised by the King and Queen for her ‘local hero’ honour. Avril Anderson, a pivotal figure in the community, was celebrated for her outstanding work at a special event in Holyrood commemorating 25 years of the Scottish Parliament. King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and First Minister John Swinney personally congratulated Avril for her contributions. The founder of Calderglen High School’s award-winning befriending project, Avril has been instrumental in connecting S6 pupils with elderly members of the community to provide companionship and support.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, and the royal ceremony on September 28 was a momentous occasion attended by HRH The King and Her Majesty The Queen. The event featured performances showcasing Scottish music and culture to mark the milestone. Avril expressed her gratitude for the honour, stating, “I was deeply honoured and surprised to receive the award. I had the pleasure of meeting The Queen and shared a memorable moment with The King, who congratulated me on the recognition. I am grateful to Collette Stevenson MSP for the nomination.”
MSPs were invited to nominate individuals from their constituencies who have made remarkable contributions to their communities as ‘local heroes.’ Avril’s dedication to the befriending service caught the attention of MSP Collette Stevenson, who commended Avril’s commitment to helping others. The Befrienders recently received training on dementia awareness, with over 20 S6 pupils completing the course to enhance their visits to seniors in the community who are living with dementia. Seniors interested in participating in the befriending project can contact Avril directly.
Avril’s impactful work has not gone unnoticed, with her efforts being recognised at a national level by the Scottish Parliament and the royal family. Her exemplary service in fostering community connections and providing support to the elderly exemplifies the spirit of a true ‘local hero’ in East Kilbride.