Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Control Watch Manager, Linda Coughlan, has won a prestigious Spirit of Fire award at a virtual ceremony held by The Fire Fighters Charity and introduced by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge.
Winning the Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award at the Charity’s virtual awards ceremony, Linda was recognised for her years of selfless support of the Charity. Organising events, volunteering, raising awareness and doing everything she can to raise funds for the Charity, Linda’s award was announced on the night by Dame Katherine Grainger DBE, Britain’s most decorated female Olympian .
His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge introduced The Fire Fighters Charity’s virtual Spirit of Fire Awards via a recorded video message.
Opening the ceremony The Duke spoke of the challenges faced by fire service personnel in the wake of Covid-19, reiterating why it’s so important that they know where to turn when they need support themselves.
The Duke also announced the winner of the evening’s first award– the Special Recognition Award for Excellence in The Field of Mental Health – which was awarded to Shilla Patel, Inclusion Manager at London Fire Brigade.
A further 13 awards were announced by a host of famous faces over the course of the evening, including: Brian May CBE, Michael Sheen OBE, Dame Julie Walters DBE, Clare Balding OBE, Simon Day, Reverend Kate Botley, Jason Watkins, Adam Hills, Les Ferdinand MBE, Susanna Reid, Maddie Moat and Greg Foot.
The Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the fundraising and awareness-raising achievements of members of the UK’s fire services community in their support of The Fire Fighters Charity, as well as the courage of the Charity’s beneficiaries in the face of personal adversity.
Usually held in London, with a reception at No.10 Downing Street, the coronavirus pandemic meant that the Charity took the awards ceremony online in 2020 for the first time.
The Fire Fighters Charity Chief Executive, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said of Linda’s Supporter of The Year: Control Room Staff award: “I am delighted that Linda has been recognised for her remarkable, lifelong support of The Fire Fighters Charity.
“She is a true ambassador for the Charity in Scotland and works tirelessly to both raise funds and ensure that her colleagues across the Service know that the Charity is here to help them if they need it. Congratulations Linda.”
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