Eight individuals, who have made significant contributions to Liverpool, have received one of the city’s highest honours.
And in a Liverpool-first, two sisters – Natasha Jonas and Nikita Parris – were among the recipients.
In a special ceremony which took place at Liverpool Town Hall on Wednesday 26 March, the accolade of Citizen on Honour was bestowed on:
- Lady Anne Dodd – for her contribution to charitable causes.
- Former President of the Faculty of Public Health, Professor John Ashton – for his advocacy, innovation and leadership in Public Health.
- Boxer Natasha Jonas – for representing Great Britain at the Olympics and being an inspirational figure for young women, as well as her youth work, education projects and charity work.
- Former Rector of Liverpool, Dr Crispin Pailing – for his work with the local community, faith groups, businesses and charitable organisations.
- Footballer Nikita Parris – for her outstanding contribution to football and her commitment to giving back to the community.
- Creative consultant Yaw Owusu – for his dedication to developing the music careers of young artists from Liverpool, and spotlighting the importance of the city’s black music heritage.
The award was given posthumously to:
- Community leader Chrissie Byrne – for her passionate campaigning for green spaces and determination to protect parks from development. She was the chair and organiser of the Friends of Walton Hall Park and also supported other friends of parks groups across the city.
- Photographer Leroy Cooper – for his services to the community and his dedication to celebrating Liverpool 8 through his art and photography, leaving an archive of more than 250,000 when he died in 2023.
The Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Kemp, led the proceedings, along with Leader of Liverpool City Council, Councillor Liam Robinson and City Council Chief Executive, Andrew Lewis.
Five of the newly appointed Citizens of Honour received their certificates in person, Nikita Parris’ sister accepted her award on her behalf.
Members of Chrisse and Leroy’s family accepted their posthumous honours.
Watch the wrap-up video for the event here.
Last Anne Dodd said:
“The day has actually arrived when I’m going to receive this wonderful honour. It’s very exciting and I’m thrilled to bits – as Ken would say, I feel ‘discomknockerated’! I really am amazed I was so amazed to get the letter and one feels one doesn’t deserve it. We meet so many really wonderful people as you’re doing any sort of work with volunteers, who generously give their time up which is so precious.“
Natasha Jonas said:
“It was very unexpected but appreciated. I think it’s great that Liverpool celebrates people from all different backgrounds and skill sets and to be part of the ceremony is an honour.”
