Carlisle Support Services launched a new award in honour of Martyn Hett for contribution to counter-terrorism in its recent annual Superstar Awards Ceremony held in Manchester.

Martyn Hett was one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing at the end of an Ariana Grande concert that took place on 22 May 2017.

Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE, has been campaigning ever since to have Government legislation drafted and brought into law in his memory that ensures stronger protections against terrorism in publicly accessible locations and prevents other families from having to go through such a terrible experience.

The new award bestowed by Carlisle Support Services has been instigated to recognise, in Martyn’s honour, those individuals that have truly contributed to counter-terrorism awareness.

Figen Murray presented the inaugural Martyn Hett Award for Contribution to Counter-Terrorism on Thursday 23 February. The winner was the Great Ormond Street Hospital for its Counter-Terrorism Training Initiative.

The Superstar Awards Ceremony, organised to recognise the achievements of individuals within the industry, was attended by over 250 employees and delegates representing reputable venues and institutions, including Wimbledon’s All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, ACC Liverpool (soon to be hosting Eurovision), the Marylebone Cricket Club, Coventry University and Liverpool Football Club.

Upon being invited to present the award herself, Figen Murray said: “I feel so humbled that I’ve been given the honour of presenting the award named after our son Martyn. Over the past few years, painful as they were and still are, I have had the privilege to meet so many incredible and outstanding human beings who have the safety and security of others at the forefront of their minds. It therefore gives me absolute pleasure to present the Martyn Hett Award for Contribution to Counter-Terrorism to a very worthy winner.”

Paul Evans, CEO at Carlisle Support Services, concluded: “As a security provider for some of the largest venues and public spaces across the UK, not only do we welcome the new legislation, but will reward those going above and beyond to uphold that law and keep members of the public safe.”

Carlisle Support Services is a leading supplier of value-added solutions to chosen niche markets. Employing circa 5,000 people, the business focuses on the provision of security, events and retail facilities support-focused services.

Further information is available online at www.carlislesupportservices.com.

(Source: Security Matters Magazine)