New Year’s Honours: Chairman of Romford based charity awarded Empire Medal
A charity fundraiser who has been spurred on by the memory of his murdered son has been awarded a British Empire Medal.
Peter Barrell, formerly of Chadwell Heath, is the chairman of Romford-based SupportLine, a charity which provides emotional support to young people throughout the country.
While a policeman in 1991, Peter organised a charity football match between a Metrpolitan Police team and an ex-Arsenal side.
Tragically, three weeks before the match was due to take place his son Chris was murdered in a park in Chadwell Heath.
It was decided that an annual Chris Barrell Memorial Match would take place, and a Chris Barrell Memorial Trophy celebrity golf day, later became a regular event.
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To date, they have raised more than �400,000 for various charities.
In 2001 Peter became chairman of SupportLine. The charity’s coordinator Geri Burnikell said: “We nominated Peter for an honour as we gave seen his dedication and hard work in raising funds for good causes, helped by his late wife Carol.
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“Peter’s work has been invaluable in keeping many small charities running while honouring the memory of his beloved son Chris.”