TWO of East Lancashire’s most prominent campaigners have been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
Dave Rogers, who set up the Every Action Has Consequences Campaign with his wife Pat after their son Adam was killed in a one punch attack, will receive an MBE for his services to young people and prisoner rehabilitation.
And Sylvia Lancaster, whose daughter Sophie, 20, died after being attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup, in 2007, for dressing ‘like a goth’, will be awarded on OBE for her commitment to increasing community cohesion and reducing hate crime
Mrs Rogers said she and her husband, from Blackburn, were ‘absolutely delighted’ to receive the recognition for their campaign, which is backed by the Lancashire Telegraph.
She said: “It is good to know that there is a real awareness of the work being done by the charity. It is particularly pleasing that Dave’s significant contribution has been recognised.
“Since Adam died in 2009 Dave has worked tirelessly to make a real difference in Adam’s memory.
“Dave has been a tower of strength within the charity. His dignity, gentleness, warmth and presence has reached out to so many people.
“People say the work being done by Dave is inspirational, but Dave would say he is doing it for Adam who made the world a better place when he was alive and continues to do so after his death.
“We still miss him more than words can say.”
Mr and Mrs Rogers came up with an educational programme designed to make children think about the consequences of their actions.
So far 3,500 packs have been sent out. It is being used widely in Lancashire, Cumbria and Greater Manchester.
Mr Rogers, 81, has also been involved in work in prisons as part of restorative justice sessions.
Ms Lancaster, who said she already had her hat picked out for when she meets the Queen, said she burst into tears after receiving the news she was being honoured.
She set up the Sophie Lancaster Foundation, which is based in Deardengate, Haslingden, to raise awareness of hate crime following her daughter’s death.
The campaigner said: “It is just fantastic.
“I got a phone call from the cabinet office saying I had been awarded an OBE and I thought it was a joke.
“People like me don’t get things like this, it is all a bit overwhelming.
“It is not just about me, it is about the work others have done and the fantastic support we have from alternative sub cultures.
“This award is excellent recognition for the foundation.”

 

*EAST Lancashire residents from all walks of life have also been recognised in the prestigiousQueen’s Birthday Honours List.

Majid Hussain, executive director at Accrol Papers in Blackburn was one of the recipients of the MBE.
The 37-year-old dad-of-one from Blackburn Road, Accrington said that he thought that there ‘must have been a mistake’ when he received the letter.
Since joining the family firm in 2009 he has built the business into the largest wholly-owned British company producing tissue paper and kitchen roll and the fourth largest soft tissue converter in the UK.
Sales have increased to almost £75m and employee numbers have increased by almost 200.
He said: “I didn’t know how to react.
“I’m extremely honoured and privileged and I have had that butterfly feeling ever since.”
Nigel Dixon, from Blackburn, also received an MBE for voluntary service to sport in the town along with Andrew Holt, founder and managing director What More UK Ltd for services to manufacturing and the community in Burnley.
Bacup-based GP Dr Mohammed Jiva, who works in Rochdale, was awarded an MBE for services to general practice and former regional chairman of the Conservative Party, Adrian Mitchell, from Nelson, received the award for voluntary political service.
Michael Welsh from Chorley has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in Lancashire while James Eaton from Bacup received the award for charitable services in Rossendale.
Mary Pickles from Burnley was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in the town.