Anne, Lady Dodd, the wife of beloved comic Sir Ken Dodd, is set to receive one of Liverpool’s greatest accolades.
Lady Dodd will be admitted to the city’s Roll of Citizen of Honour, after a decision made by Councillors tonight (Wednesday 22 January).
Lady Dodd is one of the Trustees of the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation, which works to support performing arts charities and organisations. In the past six years, the Foundation has made over 50 donations to more than 30 charities, many of which are based in Liverpool and Merseyside.
Some of the recipients of these donations include Liverpool Women’s Hospital Charity, Liverpool Theatre School, and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Outside of the Foundation, Lady Dodd has personally supported a number of projects in the City. Her contributions to her local community were highlighted through letters of recognition from St John the Evangelist Church and Happiness Hall in Knotty Ash, as well as Knotty Ash Primary School.
Tonight’s meeting also saw Councillors agree to award the Liverpool Law Society with the Freedom of Association for their work to provide free legal advice to those in need who may otherwise be unable to access it.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said: “Anne, Lady Dodd works tirelessly to improve the lives of others, and she is well deserving of the Citizen of Honour title.
“Lady Dodd has supported countless organisations and community projects both in Liverpool and further afield. Her compassion and generosity have made a significant difference to thousands of lives.
“Her work, both individually and through the Kenn Dodd foundation, is often done without great fanfare. It is clear that Lady Dodd does not help others for recognition, but for a genuine love for her community and her desire to support those who need it the most.”
Leader of Liverpool City Council, Cllr Liam Robinson said: “The Citizen of Honour accolade recognises people who make an exceptional contribution to the City and Anne, Lady Dodd is the perfect embodiment of this.
“Not only has she worked closely with community groups and organisations in her home of Knotty Ash, but her work through the Kenn Dodd Charitable Foundation has seen millions of pounds donated to an incredible number of Liverpool and Merseyside charities.
“Lady Dodd’s selfless support and dedication to those in need make her an incredible role model.”
Anne, Lady Dodd said: “When I received the letter from Liverpool City Council I was amazed, overwhelmed, undeserved, I feel, but so honoured to hear that I would receive this award.
“I love Liverpool, my adopted home for over fifty years. During the last six years, as Trustees running The Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation with Ken’s nephew, John Lewis, I have met so many incredible workers and volunteers in a variety of charitable organisations, and particularly Liverpool Hospitals, who give extra time and effort to making people’s lives better.
“My family, friends and I are so very proud to have this recognition for spending what really have been joyful times doing all the things that Ken’s legacy and his wishes have enabled me to do on his behalf since he passed away in 2018.
“I am very much looking forward to the ceremony and receiving the Citizen of Honour scroll. I am truly thrilled to bits or as Ken would say, I am completely discomknockerated!”
