Veteran Neil Maher recognised for Ukraine efforts

Reverend Bernard Cocker, CEO of the International Aid Trust, pictured left, presents councillor Neil Maher with the Ukraine Silver Trident Award and the a certificate of appreciation

Falklands War veteran and Westhoughton deputy town mayor Neil Maher has been recognised for his efforts in supporting the people of Ukraine.

Neil, who has worked for the NHS for more than 20 years, organised for an ambulance to be sent to Ukraine to support the medical efforts in the war torn country.

Ukranian humanitarian officials sent back a message of thanks after the life-saving equipment arrived in the country.

Neil was presented with the ‘Silver Trident Award’ from Ukraine and a certificate of appreciation for Neil by Reverend Bernard Cocker, the CEO of the International Aid Trust, who approached him for help.

A hospital in Ukraine had no ambulances to transport patients and older people from areas near the front.

Reverend Cocker said: “In the International Aid Trust Family we have so many faithful and gifted people. One of these is Neil, who is a senior director of the NHS.

“Neil served in the Armed Forces from the age of 16, a distinguished career spanning 40 years including as troop commander in the Falklands. He followed this with 20 years in the NHS. He is a quiet and humble man who gets things done.

“Neil knows what’s it’s like to be in the front line and has a deep empathy with our friends in the Ukrainian Military. His input has been really helpful and very productive.”

Neil added: “As a former serviceman in an active war, I’m well aware of the importance of medical equipment in saving lives of not only service people but civilians who get caught up in conflicts. Every little thing we can do to help the people of Ukraine can go a long way.”