Royal seal of approval for WaterAid volunteer

A Yorkshire Water employee has received royal recognition for his support of WaterAid.
David McGlinchey, of Yeadon, Leeds, is one of three dedicated supporters to be awarded WaterAid’s highest honour, The President’s Award. He was presented with a certificate personally signed by WaterAid’s president HRH The Prince of Wales, at the charity’s Annual Supporters Meeting on October 10.
“I feel privileged and honoured and am really proud of the great team of volunteers that support me,” said David.
“I am really excited that we have made a difference at Glastonbury with the Loos Brothers helping raise awareness, and hopefully bringing a smile. The amazing thing about the people that WaterAid help is their strength, their ability to survive, but most important their ability to smile and celebrate what they have.
“My dream, which I genuinely hold, is that by 2030 everyone will have a tap and everywhere will have a toilet and I would encourage everyone to join us in achieving that aim.”

David and his wife Fiona

David has been involved with WaterAid for the last 20 years. But it was following his trip to Uganda in 2008 that he returned evermore passionate and determined to make a difference, taking over as vice-chair of the Yorkshire WaterAid Committee.
Since he took over the role in 2009 the committee has raised £1.2 million to date.
Yorkshire Water’s CEO Richard Flint said: “This award is testament to the hard work and determination that David has put in over the last two decades.
“It embeds what we do as a company, working with a great charity like WaterAid to give people around the world access to safe water, anitation and hygiene.

“And as well as David receiving this royal seal of approval it was a real achievement having former employee Meryl Knapp pick up the Speaker of the Year award. The award acknowledges volunteers that go above and beyond, so another huge accomplishment.”
Meryl who lives in Leeds has been a dedicated supporter of WaterAid for a long time, and is desperately passionate about getting new people engaged, her nomination says.
“Meryl is courageous and is always up for a new challenge, whether it be petitioning in her local area, or delivering a workshop to a scout group.”

Meryl with Rebecca Dallinsion, WaterAid's speaker co-orindator

Barbara Frost, Chief Executive of WaterAid said: “David’s total commitment to and enthusiasm for WaterAid’s work is an inspiration to many. He’s been a dedicated WaterAid supporter for more than 20 years. David is a member of our speaker network, he’s a campaigner, fundraiser, and most famously WaterAid songwriter and dedicated Glastonbury Loos Brother!
“In 2013 he was instrumental in developing a new five-year partnership with WaterAid Ethiopia, pledging to raise £1 million and linking up water sector professionals in Yorkshire and Ethiopia to build capacity in partners and communities. I am delighted to recognise his dedication with the President’s Award."