Decision due on Freedom of Doncaster for war hero Ben Parkinson

Doncaster Council will discuss the honour today at the full council meeting at the civic offices on Waterdale.

A document before councillors at the meeting recommends that the granting of the honour is approved.

It states: “This is the recommended option, not only in recognition of his personal bravery, fighting spirit, total selflessness, determination and his ability to inspire young and old alike with a passion and a need to meet every adversity and challenge, overcome it and move on but also for his efforts in raising millions of pounds to help to support and encourage wounded soldiers to live life to the full.”

The report which goes says that Bobbie Roberts, a Freeman of the Borough, approached the council to ask it to consider the honour for Ben.

The council is able to bestow the Freedom of the Borough on individuals who have provided exceptional service to their town or enhanced its reputation through their actions.

Under the council’s protocol a panel consisting of the mayor, her deputy, the civic mayor and leaders of each of the political groups have met to consider the nomination and gave it their full support at a previous meeting.

But the award of Freeman must be approved by a formal resolution of full council, and the support of two thirds of the councillors is needed for it to be agreed.

The council report on the issue states: “Ben is a Patron of ‘The Pilgrim Bandits’ a charity that has raised millions of pounds to help and inspire wounded soldiers to live life to the full.”

“Ben is an example of an inspiration to young and old alike with a passion and a need to meet every adversity and challenge, overcome it and move on.

It adds: “The Freeman of Doncaster Borough is the least we can do to recognise this heroic young serviceman from Doncaster and his achievements.”