The Sir William Y Darling Bequest for Good Citizenship for 2015/16 has been awarded to Tracy Rendall in recognition for her charity work and volunteering. Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Donald Wilson made the presentation on Tuesday night during a reception held in the City Chambers.
The Award, which is made annually to a citizen or citizens who, in the opinion of the City of Edinburgh Council, “has or have done most for the City’s Honour and Welfare”, was instituted by the will of the late Sir William Y Darling, Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1941–1944.
In being nominated, Mrs Rendall was praised for her dedication to raising awareness of spina bifida and juvenile arthritis – disabilities which affect two of her four children – through the Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC) and Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland (SBHS).
Commenting on the award, the Lord Provost Donald Wilson said: “This is a well deserved recognition and it is truly inspiring how much valuable time Tracy has given to her community and to her causes.
“She has been described as ‘a phenomenon’ for dedicating so much to others in Edinburgh while raising four children and running her own business. The bequest is presented with gratitude and pride for what she has done for the citizens of the city.”
Of her award, Tracy Rendall said: “I am delighted to be recognised with the Sir William Y Darling Bequest for Good Citizenship. I don’t feel that I am the one that should be receiving it though.
“There are so many people that help me every day – I wouldn’t be involved in a fraction of the things that I am without the support of many, many wonderful people. Not least my husband, children and friends. I want to thank everyone for their support. This award is for all of us. ”
A business owner with her husband Stuart, Mrs Rendall dedicates hours of her time towards chairing the Craigentinny Primary School parent council. She was also chair of the family council for the Sick Kids Hospital and can often be found volunteering for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation and raising funds as PJ Bear.
Councillor Gavin Corbett, who nominated Tracy for the award, added: “I first met Tracy in 2008, on a training course for chairs of parent councils, and met her regularly after that at various events where she represented her school. Only gradually did I find out just how much of a whirlwind she is!
“Her tireless work supports her own family but also her own community and a whole network of children from across Edinburgh and Scotland. I cannot think of anyone who better deserves the recognition of this award.”
Tracy follows in the footsteps of LifeCare charity worker Stephen Seaman, who received the bequest last year.
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