'Hard working' Rotarian honoured by High Sheriff
A local Rotarian who has a spinal injury sustained in a motor cycle accident 22 years ago today expressed his ‘complete surprise’ at receiving an honour.
For Marcus Watkin, a member of Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club who was badly injured in the crash in 2002, has been rewarded for his services to Midlands Air Ambulance – who helped to save his life – for his significant fundraising on behalf of the charity.
Said Marcus, who is now wheelchair bound: “I was invited to the award ceremony at the Midlands Air Ambulance’s new base at Cosford which I thought in itself was an honour. However, I couldn’t have foreseen what was to follow – a gold award from the High Sheriff for my 14 years’ service.
“I feel truly proud,” added Marcus who joined Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club 18 months ago.
There was also an award for the Shrewsbury MAAC shop staff – as well as the volunteers in all six Midlands Air Ambulance areas - for their volunteer contributions, dedication and hard work in helping raise funds for the charity.
David Morris, Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club president, said: “This is clearly wonderful news for Marcus and his family. We at Rotary, are enormously lucky to have Marcus as a member.
“He is hard-working and is blessed with an enormously generous spirit: exactly the sort of qualities that the Rotary club values the most. Marcus will become vice-president of our club in the summer, and a President after that.”
David added: “He is a truly exceptional man, and a real asset to both our group, and indeed the wider community''.
Anyone interested in hearing more about Shrewsbury Severn Rotary Club can contact gdmw@hotmail.co.uk.
