New Year's Honour for dedicated Clitheroe volunteer Richard

Grandfather-of-nine, Richard Dugdale, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for Services to the community in Clitheroe.
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Mr Dugdale, 75, has worked tirelessly for decades, helping the needy in this country and abroad.

His latest efforts have been driving Santa's sleigh around Clitheroe, which raised more than £2,500 for charity, collecting shoe box donations for victims of domestic violence, and this week he has been marshalling people getting Covid vaccinations at his local GP practice.

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He said: "I'm overwhelmed and greatly honoured. I must have some very good friends who have nominated me for this. I'm very pleased."

Richard has been a member of the Ribblesdale branch of the Rotary Club for 32 yearsRichard has been a member of the Ribblesdale branch of the Rotary Club for 32 years
Richard has been a member of the Ribblesdale branch of the Rotary Club for 32 years

In 1996, Mr Dugdale, who ran a saw mill for 25 years, has been a member of the Rotary Club for 32 years, fulfilling several roles including president, secretary and he is currently treasurer.

He credits his involvement with the Rotary Club for "changing his life", and has carried out much of his charitable work with fellow Rotarians.

He said: "I just like helping people, I enjoy it.

"I just like to see people with smiley faces and the work that the Life Education Trust is so important to do."

Bill Honeywell (right) and Richard Dugdale arrive at the Isle of Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde, during their four-week charity cycle tour of the Western Isles.Bill Honeywell (right) and Richard Dugdale arrive at the Isle of Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde, during their four-week charity cycle tour of the Western Isles.
Bill Honeywell (right) and Richard Dugdale arrive at the Isle of Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde, during their four-week charity cycle tour of the Western Isles.
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Mr Dugdale has been involved with the Life Education Trust since 1998. The charity provides health-focused education in schools from reception to year six on a range

of topics including cleanliness, nutrition, drugs and alcohol, and bullying.

As a volunteer, he has transported the mobile classrooms that the charity uses to deliver its services to schools, and fundraises for the charity through sponsored cycle rides. These have included the first stage of the Tour de France, the Three Towers ride from his home town of Clitheroe to Blackpool Tower, the Tower of London and the Eiffel Tower in Paris (and back again), Land’s End to John O’Groats, the North Sea cycle route, and an annual ride in West Bradford, raising a combined £10,000 for Life Education.

He has also raised funds through the Clitheroe Bonfire, which he has run as chair of its committee for 10 years, has fundraised and volunteered in a polio vaccination effort in India, is a volunteer driver for the MS Society, and has been involved with the Clitheroe Local Organisations Committee, which last year supplied all residents aged over 80 in the local area with Christmas food parcels.

Richard at Chipping Fair with his wife Stephanie and their grandaughter Kitty BrennandRichard at Chipping Fair with his wife Stephanie and their grandaughter Kitty Brennand
Richard at Chipping Fair with his wife Stephanie and their grandaughter Kitty Brennand
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He said: "I am busy, but since college, I've always lived by the rule, work hard and play hard.

"I'm always doing something, I can't stand to be doing nothing."

Mr Dugdale has managed to keep the BEM honour under wraps from his family, apart from his wife Stephanie, who he said was "very pleased".

In 2021, he hopes to complete more fundraising cycle trips and visit his son in Australia.

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