Humble heroes step up for BEM

Malcolm Kilpatrick and Anthony Cocker

Two NHS workers have thanked the NHS (Northern Care Alliance) for a British Empire Medal.

Electrician Malcolm Kilpatrick, 45, who works at Royal Oldham Hospital, received the honour for services to the NHS during Covid-19.

Anthony Cocker, from Greenfield now living in Moorside, a plumber with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, aldo received a BEM for services to the NHS during Covid-19.

Anthony has worked at Royal Oldham Hospital for 12 years and his roles include legionella prevention, maintaining air handling units and industrial boilers used to heat the hospital and produce hot water.

Speaking after the uplifting ceremony at Gorton Monastery, Malcolm said :”While being extremely humbled by the whole experience, we are just part of massive estates and facilities team, all of whom are just as worthy of this privilege as we are.

“With everyone putting in their own efforts during the pandemic, the NHS wouldn't have survived.

“This has been an extremely special day for both of us and we are truly my grateful for all the kind words and congratulations which people have spoken about ourselves.

“We were extremely grateful to meet other recipients of BEMs from all over Manchester and was it presented beautifully by Stephen Hall, and the Lord Lieutenant Sir Warren Smith."

Malcolm added: ”We will continue to serve the NHS with pride and honour and do roles just equally as we have in the past.”

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