On Friday 7th December 2018, the Prime Minister recognised local resident, Patrick McGeogh with a Points of Light award for his outstanding voluntary work. The award was presented to him by local MP, Richard Harrington.
Patrick McGeough, from Watford, is the Director and Trustee of ‘Para Dance UK’, a charity that promotes dance and coordinates inclusive leisure activities. Patrick has been a wheelchair user since a stroke in 1997, first got involved with the organisation when he approached them in 2011 and asked them to help him and his wife with the first dance at their wedding. To thank them for their support and help promote the benefits of dance for wheelchair users, he became their volunteer CEO and helped expand the organisation to support more than 30 groups across the UK. The charity has 90 qualified volunteer instructors and supports para dance professionals in international competitions.
Richard Harrington MP said: “Huge congratulations to my constituent, Patrick McGeogh, for achieving the Points of Light award as recognition for his outstanding voluntary work as CEO of Para Dance UK. Patrick has overcome personal challenges and now his hard work is transforming lives up and down the country. Having met the local group, I know their enthusiasm is inspirational, and so this award is very well deserved. “