Mother and father of playing addict who took personal life to obtain royal accolades
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ereaved mother and father of a younger man who took his life after turning into hooked on playing are set to obtain royal accolades at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Jack Ritchie took his life in 2017 on the age of 24 after turning into hooked on playing whereas within the sixth kind at college.
His mother and father, Liz and Charles Ritchie, will each obtain MBEs on the investiture after establishing the charity Gambling with Lives in 2018.
The couple, from Sheffield, have lengthy argued that gambling-related suicide is instantly linked to addictive betting merchandise and the business’s “predatory” advertising practices.
Liz Ritchie mentioned: “We never wanted to be here, but we gratefully accept these awards as recognition of the families who walk with us to warn others about the dangers of gambling.
“Most of all, these awards mean the many who died, like our son Jack, have been seen.”
Charles Ritchie mentioned: “Thanks to the campaigning of the Gambling with Lives families, in April, the Government announced reforms that would never have happened otherwise. These awards are for all the bereaved families and all those they’ve lost.”
Others who might be at Windsor Castle embody Kate Garraway and Grayson Perry.
Garraway was awarded an MBE within the New Year Honours for her providers to broadcasting, journalism and charity.
Reacting to the news that she had been awarded the royal accolade, the 56-year-old mentioned on Good Morning Britain in January: “I actually feel very awkward about it all really, I don’t know why, because I’m thrilled to bits and incredibly honoured.”
She added: “But you just sort of think, ‘What? Me?’ And then you think it’s not real.”
Notably, Grayson Perry will obtain a knighthood on the investiture for his providers to the humanities.
The 63-year-old artist, author and broadcaster, who is thought for his tapestries, ceramic works and cross-dressing, was made a Knight Bachelor for providers to the humanities within the New Year Honours checklist.
After discovering out about his accolade, he advised the Radio Times his knighthood outfit won’t outshine different potential honourees on the day.
“I have intuition around the language of dress, by which I mean to say, I’m pretty expert. There is a line, I wouldn’t go dressed as a clown,” Sir Grayson mentioned.
Also receiving MBEs on Wednesday are skilled footballers Andrew Robertson and Jennifer Beattie for his or her providers to affiliation soccer, in addition to Robertson’s work with charity and younger individuals.
Premier League winner Robertson, 29, based AR26, a charity shaped to assist susceptible younger individuals with their psychological and bodily well being in 2020.
Former Real Madrid and Tottenham footballer Gareth Bale can even be receiving an MBE.