A SADDLEWORTH minister has received royal acclaim by being awarded a British Empire Medal.
The Rev David Ireland, who hails from Dobcross and is a minister at Oldham’s United Reformed Church in Union Street, recently stepped down as chief executive at Francis House Children’s Hospice.
And his work at the charity has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list for services to children’s hospices.
The BEM – one of only 317 given out – is actually the second high award the Rev Ireland has received this year for his work at Francis House.
For in April, High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal OBE, presented him with a High Sheriff Special Recognition Award for Unrivalled Dedicated Service.
The Rev Ireland may not be part of the foundations at Francis House, but he is part of just about everything else – he helped design the conversion of a former convent in Didsbury!
And Mr O’Neal saluted him by saying: “David is a fine example of how contributing to a compassionate society through dedicated service can make a huge difference to those who need support at the most difficult times.
“His Francis House journey literally started at the drawing board and finished up in the CEO’s office.
“That will never be repeated.”
The Rev Ireland spent 20 years at the helm of the hospice, having swapped a career as an architect to take over the running of Francis House in 2005.
After overseeing the convent conversion, he joined the board of trustees in July 1994 and was offered the job of chief executive following the retirement of founder Sister Aloysius.
“Francis House has been a huge part of my life from its very inception,” he said about his time there.
“One thing that we offer to families is stability. It has been the greatest privilege to have been able to follow in the footsteps of Sister Aloysius, the founder of the hospice.
“People from across the North West are really supportive of Francis House through their love and concern for the families.
“I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers for your friendship, support and for doing a great job.
“But the biggest thanks have to go to the children, young people and their families, who have allowed us to walk alongside them in good and difficult times; the mums and dads who have trusted us to care for their children and allowed us to help them make wonderful memories.”
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