Photo: Johnny Green/PA Wire
MSRC Patron Alastair Hignell was made CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to sport and charity on the honours list in June and received his medal from the Queen on Tuesday, 20th October.
Alastair is a former England rugby player and batsman for Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.
After retiring he became a respected journalist, covering rugby for BBC Radio.
In 1999, when he was in his early 40s, he was diagnosed with MS and now pours much of his time into his work as patron of the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.
Speaking about meeting the Queen, Alastair said, "I was absolutely nervous, as nervous as I've been for any cricket or rugby match I've ever played, as nervous as for any commentary,".
Commenting on Alastair's award, Helen Yates, Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre Chief Executive said, "MSRC are delighted that our Patron, Alastair Hignell, should be honoured in this way. We cannot think of a more fitting person to receive this honour. Alastair campaigns tirelessly on behalf of people affected by MS and has spent a great deal of time and energy fundraising for the MS community. He is a superb ambassador for MSRC as well as being a thoughtful and caring man."
