Kieran Farrell awarded BEM in Queen's Birthday Honours
Saturday 11 June 2016 15:37, UK
Kieran Farrell has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Farrell was forced to retire from boxing after suffering a brain injury during a fight against Anthony Crolla for the vacant English lightweight title in 2012.
The 25-year-old collapsed in the ring after losing to current WBA lightweight champion Crolla and was found to have suffered bleeding on the brain.
He was told he was lucky to be alive and warned that a return to the ring could be fatal.
Farrell responded to the news by setting up the 'People's Gym' in Heywood in 2013 and his work in the community has now been recognised by the Queen.
"My biggest achievement to date, can't believe it," Farrell wrote on his Facebook page.
"Her majesty, the Queen has awarded me a British Empire Medal for my work in the community & services to boxing, also invited me to the Buckingham Palace garden party next summer!
"I can't thank everyone who has used my services enough for making the dream a reality & special thanks to the people none of this would be possible without. John McCormack Glyn Showboat Rhodes Mbe & Ged Mason OBE.
"Wow, what can I say? It's an honour!"
