We are delighted to announce the first of our judges for the inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards: the distinguished, Double Olympic Champion Col. Dame Kelly Holmes (mil)
Kelly is one of the UK’s most popular athletes, respected throughout the world as a role model and an inspiration. Kelly holds British records in the 800m and 1000m and won seven gold, eight silver, and four bronze medals throughout her career, including a historic double victory in the 800m and 1500m at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Following her success, she was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year, European Athlete of the Year, and was knighted by the Queen.
Raised in Kent by her mother, Kelly’s talent for running was nurtured by a supportive PE teacher. After leaving professional athletics at 18, she joined the British Army, becoming an HGV driver and later a Physical Training Instructor. In 1998, she was awarded an MBE for her services. In 2018, she was appointed Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Corps, the first such appointment to a regular unit, approved by Her Majesty the Queen.
Despite facing numerous injuries and struggles with depression, Kelly’s Olympic dreams were realised with her gold medals. In 2008, she founded the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust, which empowers disadvantaged young people using world-class athletes as mentors. Kelly’s philosophy, “nothing is impossible,” drives her charity work and her own life story.
As a valued addition to the judging panel for the inaugural Northern Ireland Blue Light Awards, Kelly brings her passion for supporting others and her wealth of experience in overcoming challenges. The awards, which recognise the dedication and heroism of emergency services, will benefit from her insight and commitment to making a difference.
The Blue Light Awards will be held on Thursday 27th February at the Culloden Estate & Spa. To find out more, please visit www.bluelightawards.co.uk/.
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