England Athletics chair receives CBE

England Athletics chair Gary Shaughnessy has been awarded a CBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Gary, who is also chair of the Board of Trustees at both Parkinson’s UK and Z Zurich Foundation, received his honour in recognition of his contribution to business and charity. 

Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2015, Gary took on the leadership role with England Athletics in 2021 and has embarked on many remarkable feats of physical endurance to raise significant funds for different charities at the same time as increasing awareness of Parkinson’s.

From running more than 40 marathons to completing the incredible Arch to Arc challenge in 2022, earlier this year the active member of Tadley Runners cycled 1,400miles from Liverpool to Ukraine.

Speaking about his honour, he said:

“When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I didn’t know what the future would hold, and I certainly never expected that it would lead me here and to this award. I’m incredibly humbled and grateful, as all I ever set out to do was to take control of my condition and show others that they could do the same.

“Awards like this underline the great work that the charity sector is doing, and indeed the vital role that they play in society. The roles I have with Parkinson’s UK and Z Zurich Foundation, as well as England Athletics, give me the platform to share a message, but it’s only because of the work of so many people and in those communities that the message matters.”

All at England Athletics offer our warmest congratulations to Gary on his CBE.