GLYN Hanna has said he is “delighted and humbled” to have received the Lifetime Achievement accolade at the second annual Northern Irish Veterans Awards. The Ballymartin man, who is a local councillor and a former member of the UDR, received the award at this year’s event, which was held in the Europa Hotel Belfast last Wednesday. “I am delighted and humbled to have been given the award for Lifetime Achievement in raising funds and work done for charities, including for veterans, community charities, and local good causes,” he said. “I have been presented with this award, but I could not have done this alone. “I would like to thank all who have volunteered alongside me, raising money for all these good causes, charities and organisations. “Over the years, I have worked to help those veterans who served in the UDR with me in any way I could. “I have always volunteered willingly in any way I could, to help raise funds for local charities, and I have been hands-on, if I could.” Mr Hanna added that he has “enjoyed giving back to the community in public life, and getting involved with charities that help those people who have been physically or mentally disadvantaged”. “Supporting charities is so important, and I would encourage everyone to take the decision to get involved,” he said. “Our community is a wonderful place, where so many volunteer, giving of their time freely to help others through community work and youth work, helping with children’s activities, sports, cultural work and the elderly, and those who work quietly to help others. “We are thoroughly blessed that these unsung heroes live amongst us.”
Cllr Hanna’s party, the DUP, posted online: “Well done to Glyn and all the winners at the NI Veterans Awards”. South Down MLA Diane Forsythe, Cllr Hanna’s daughter, wrote: “It was an honour to attend the Northern Irish Veterans Awards. “I was especially proud of my dad, Cllr Glyn Hanna who won the Lifetime Achievement award, as well as local veterans Denis McKee, who won the Reservist of the Year, and David Smyth, who was awarded silver in the same category. “Very well deserved – honoured to have been there with them and others to thank them for their service.” An online Northern Irish Veterans Awards statement said: “Well done to everyone who was nominated and shortlisted as finalists. “We had a huge amount of applications, and the shortlisting process was extremely difficult. “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put forward nominations. “You are all doing amazing things in your relevant fields, and you should be so proud of your achievements.”
