Greater Manchester man to be recognised at the British Citizen Awards

David Hutton from Greater Manchester is one of 28 remarkable individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours.

The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its 10 year and recognises exceptional people who positively impact their communities throughout the country. Dubbed ‘The People’s Honours’ this programme recognises true community heroes for their divergent endeavours and positive impact on society.

David will be recognised at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday 18 January 2024 and honoured with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving, receiving the coveted BCA Medal of Honour and invited to use the post-nominals BCAv as a legacy of his achievements.

He is the Co-Founder and Trustee of the charity, Team 1C, a group of parents whose children were born with Congenital Heart Defects. They formed in 2017 whilst living on a Cardiac ward with their children, to date they have funded 201 heart surgeries and raised over £130,000 for charity.

David is the author of “The Long Cutie” blogs, a story of his and his Daughter Isla’s (who he affectionately called “Isla Bear”) journey through life with Long QT Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects heart Rhythm. David is also involved in research on Long QT, via Thryv Therapeutics.

Tragically, David’s daughter died suddenly in October 2022, but instead of focusing on the sadness, he channelled it into building Isla’s legacy. David is a patient advocate and shares his experience and knowledge to support the Long QT community.

Just two weeks after Isla’s death and surrounded by his Team 1C family, David did a fire walk, wearing Bear Ears, raising over £5,000 for Ronald McDonald House charity. Because of Isla and David’s story, over £15m has been invested to help get a new drug into trials. It is bittersweet, but a comfort to David to know that he and Isla are going to save lives.

“This year’s medalists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during such a challenging time.

“At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medalist to be recognised.

Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner One Stop.

The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, and attended by BCA Patrons, Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society.

Each medalist is presented with their BCA at the Palace of Westminster by Senior Representatives from official partner One Stop, Places for People, Specsavers, Objective HR, and Uniserve who all support this unique programme. 

Medalists then board an Open Top Lap of Honour tour provided by Big Bus London, before attending a certificate presentation at the prestigious Church House to complete their recognition.

The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people from all cultural backgrounds from across the country for exceptional endeavor. The Medal presentation is held twice annually, to nominate an outstanding individual from your community to be considered for The People’s Honours visit www.britishcitizenawards.co.uk.