MBE for Martin

Martin O’Neill, one of Bobath Scotland’s most dedicated supporters, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Teacher Martin O’Neill from Newton Mearns has been awarded an MBE in the 2019 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his contribution to helping people with cerebral palsy and for his wider charitable work.

Martin O’Neill, a teacher at St Thomas Aquinas Secondary School in Jordanhill, has been supporting Bobath Scotland for the past 20 years.  

Martin has served as a trustee on the board of Bobath Scotland since 1999, only stepping down in May this year.

He has been tireless in his support of the charity, volunteering to run events, and speaking to schools, clubs and community groups to help raise awareness of cerebral palsy and the difference therapy can make to a person’s quality of life.  Martin’s son has cerebral palsy, and was one of the first children treated by Bobath Scotland.  

To celebrate the charity’s 18th birthday, he cycled from Bobath Wales in Cardiff to Bobath Scotland’s centre in Glasgow to raise funds. 

Commenting on Martin’s MBE, Bobath Scotland Chief Executive, Stephanie Fraser, said:

“We are delighted that, as Martin is celebrates his 60th birthday, he is to receive an MBE as part of the Queen’s birthday honours in recognition of his many years of commitment to helping people with cerebral palsy.  Bobath Scotland owe a huge amount to Martin and his family and it is wonderful that, as he retires as a Trustee, his service is being recognised publicly. 

“It is a measure of his commitment that he’s still volunteering at Bobath events and that he will be leading the new Disabled Scouts Beaver group that will be based at Bobath Scotland’s centre from June onwards.  Congratulations Martin. This is a well-deserved honour.”