Published: December 29, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea pensioner awarded MBE in New Year Honours

Burnham-On-Sea pensioner Arthur Gilbert has been awarded an MBE for charitable services in the Queen's New Year Honours, announced on Saturday (December 29th).

Arthur, 86, is well-known for taking part in Burnham's annual Triathlons (pictured below), which have helped him raise thousands of pounds for charity over the last 17 years.

Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com on Saturday morning, he said he was "delighted" by the news, which "had come as quite a shock."

Arthur first got into sport in the 1970s when he started cycling to work each day from Burnham to Weston.

"It got me very fit and was a good base for my triathlons, which I first started in 1989 when I was 68."

"The triathlons have been an excellent vehicle for raising money for charity."

"I initially raised cash for the British Heart Foundation and when a great personal friend died of cancer, I ran several triathlons in aid of the Imperial Cancer Research in his memory."

"I've kept on running triathlons for charity - my most recent one was in 2006 - and have been raising money for Musgrove Hospital since 2001."

"I must thank Burnham Harriers for all their support, and a big thank you goes to my wife, Betty, for putting up with me!"

RELATED LINKS:

Full list of New Year's Honours [External link]