Crosby Volunteer Left Speechless After Letter From King Charles

A Crosby grandfather who initially feared he was in trouble with the authorities was left stunned after discovering a letter from King Charles contained one of the greatest honours of his life.

Steven Thompson, 62, admitted he expected the worst when an official looking envelope arrived through his letterbox. Believing it could be connected to a speeding offence from a few weeks earlier, he opened it with some apprehension before realising it contained the news that he had been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Steven, a self employed accountant, even decided to have a little fun with his family before revealing the truth. Meeting his wife Angela and daughter Rebecca for lunch in Crosby Village, he handed the letter to his wife and jokingly reminded her about the time he had been caught speeding. As she began reading it, she thought the letter confirmed another driving offence before realising it was, in fact, a royal honour.

The prestigious award recognises almost three decades of outstanding voluntary service, particularly his dedication to grassroots rugby and supporting vulnerable people in the community.

Steven first became involved with Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club around 28 years ago after taking his young son Matthew along to play. Although he had very little rugby experience, he quickly became involved as a volunteer, initially helping coaches before taking charge of teams for children aged five to seven.

Since then, he has helped inspire generations of young players, including future England internationals. Among those he coached at the beginning of their rugby journeys are England stars Holly Aitchison, who has represented both England and Great Britain, and Sarah Beckett, who also went on to play for England.

Today, Steven has come full circle, with his grandson Daniel now playing at the same club where his own volunteering journey began.

Away from the rugby field, Steven has quietly devoted years to helping those facing hardship. Every Monday and Tuesday he collects surplus food from Waterfields Bakery in Crosby and delivers it to the Missionaries of Charity on Seel Street in Liverpool, where it helps support people experiencing homelessness.

He says volunteering at the soup kitchen has given him a greater appreciation for how quickly circumstances can change in people’s lives and has reinforced his belief that helping others is one of the most important things he does each week.

Despite receiving one of the country’s highest honours for voluntary service, Steven says the award will not change his commitment. He intends to continue coaching young players and supporting his local community for as long as he is able, saying the enjoyment and satisfaction he gets from helping others is reward enough.

Steven will officially receive his British Empire Medal later this year during a presentation ceremony at Firwood Waterloo Rugby Club.

Congratulations to Steven on a thoroughly deserved honour recognising decades of selfless service to both sport and the local community.