06:00, 28 November 2024
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been appointed the new Royal Patron of The Eric Liddell Community, further underscoring her commitment to honouring the legacy of Scotland’s Olympic hero, Eric Liddell.
This appointment follows her role as Patron of The Eric Liddell 100 campaign, a year-long initiative marking the centenary of Liddell’s gold medal victory at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Throughout 2024, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign has celebrated Liddell’s remarkable achievements both as an athlete and as a man of strong character. Known as “The Flying Scotsman,” Liddell’s values of passion, compassion, and integrity have inspired generations. The campaign, led by The Eric Liddell Community, has featured a series of high-profile events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of his extraordinary life. These have included the opening of The Eric Liddell Way in Bruntsfield Links, a fundraising appeal linked to the Olympic year, a special exhibition in the Scottish Parliament, and the prestigious National Eric Liddell Awards.
In her capacity as Patron of the campaign, The Princess Royal has played an active role in key events, including attending a memorial service at St Giles’ Cathedral, delivering the inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture, and presenting the National Eric Liddell Awards on 1st November at George Watson’s College.
During the awards ceremony, it was announced that she would serve as Royal Patron of The Eric Liddell Community for a three-year term, a role that will further enhance the charity’s important work.
In her message for the National Eric Liddell Awards, The Princess Royal shared her admiration for Liddell’s remarkable legacy. She stated: “This celebration highlights not only his sporting achievements but also his life, beliefs, and the legacy he left behind, which continues to inspire people around the globe.”
John MacMillan, Chief Executive Officer of The Eric Liddell Community, welcomed the announcement, acknowledging The Princess Royal’s invaluable support in promoting Eric Liddell’s values. He noted that with her continued involvement, the charity is excited to build on the success of the centenary celebrations and continue its important work in the years ahead.
As 2024 draws to a close, the legacy of Eric Liddell remains a guiding light for The Eric Liddell Community’s mission to inspire and uplift future generations. With the ongoing support of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, the charity is well-placed to carry forward Liddell’s message of compassion and service into 2025 and beyond.
For more information on The Eric Liddell Community and its initiatives, visit ericliddell.org.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Eric Liddell Community. This UK-based charity supports disabled people by providing information, advice, and practical services to help improve their quality of life. Learn more here.
Campaign to End Loneliness. This charity aims to raise awareness about the impact of loneliness and advocates for policy changes to combat isolation among older people. Find out more here.
The Silver Line. This service is run by UK charity Age UK to provide a helpline offering friendship, support, and information to older people, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Support them here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnerships For The Goals.
