East Lothian Walking Footballer Awarded M.B.E

Dunbar walking footballer Chris Wilkins, has been awarded the honour of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to loneliness and supporting those living with dementia in the 2023 New Year Honours List.

Chris, who is the CEO and Co-Founder of Sporting Memories launched the group in 2011 to support older people, and particularly those living with long-term conditions like dementia and those experiencing loneliness; using sport to reconnect them with their peers and their local communities.

For over a decade under Chris’s continuing leadership, Sporting Memories has been dedicated to bringing older people together by providing them with a welcoming and supportive environment, and a carefully developed set of activities designed to help build confidence and improve their lives for the better.  

The organisation now has a vast network of clubs across Scotland, England and Wales, using the power of sport to engage older people through reminiscence and inclusive physical activities.

Speaking after receiving the news of his MBE, Chris reflected; “I’d really like to dedicate this award to all of the wonderful people that have been part of the Sporting Memories journey over the past 12 years – including our staff, our partners, our funders but most important of all, our incredible volunteers, club members and carers. Without everyone’s contribution we wouldn’t have been able to connect with so many people in so many communities or make such a positive impact on the wellbeing and happiness of older sports fans.”

Chris who lives in Dirleton, East Lothian initially started playing walking football almost four years ago and now regularly embarks on a thirty five mile round trip to play at Dunbar every week and says "Walking football has become an indispensable part of my week. It is not only a complete break from the pressures of work but it helps to keep me physically active and the camaraderie with the other players is very special; it's a chance to re-live some of the fun of playing team sports as a youngster."

Congratulations Chris - a marvellous achievement.👏👏👏