Mayomans son honoured by queen elizabeth

THE son of a Mayoman has been honoured by Queen Elizabeth for his charity work.

Surrey-based Nigel Flanagan, whose father Sean is a native of Ballindine, was feted at Buckingham Palace for his work on behalf sick children over the past six years.

Nigel set up ‘Operational Christmas’ which involves him spending every spare hour he has leading up to Christmas appealing to local businesses, family and friends, for presents to be donated for sick children.

Nigel, a paramedic by profession, said when he got the invitation from The Lord Chamberlain in Command followed by a phone call from Buckingham Palace.

He said: “Meeting The Queen and Prince Philip was amazing. It was a memorable day and I felt so special. All I ever wanted to do was put a smile on every sick child’s face on Christmas morning. Working Christmas day can be so rewarding in this profession.”

Nigel's mother, Maureen, is a native of Tuam, Co Galway.