Scottish Catholic Observer

Two Scottish Catholics who helped set-up Glasgow-based Christian charities were amongst those honoured by the Queen in the New Years Honours list.

Anne McIlveen (above centre), founder of the Salt and Light charity, has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in Glasgow, while Mary O’Neill, founding committee member of the Cardinal Winning Charity Ball, has been recognised with a British Empire Medal for charitable services in Glasgow (announcement below).

The Cardinal Winning Ball was established in 1977 and has raised almost £2 million in that time for charity.

The 38th ball was held in December last year with St Francis Nursing Home in Govan, The Mungo Foundation and St Nicholas Care Fund amongst the chosen charities.

Ms O’Neill had previously been awarded a Papal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifices medal, the highest papal award for a layperson. She was the first woman in Scotland to receive the honour.

Mrs McIlveen founded the Salt and Light charity 15-years ago to provide food, clothing, support and prayer to women on the streets of Glasgow. The charity ceased its operation in July last year due to a lack of funding.

The MBE recipient struggled through homelessness and alcohol problems and was lead by her faith to set the charity to help other vulnerable women.

Mrs McIlveen said she was humbled to have received the honour.

Other prominent British Catholics to receive hours in the annual list were Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind who became a CBE, Denis Keefe, ambassador to Serbia, who was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), and BAFTA and Golden Globe nominated actor David Oyelowo.

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