Steven Thompson, a 62-year-old grandfather from Crosby, was convinced he had been caught speeding when an official-looking letter arrived from King Charles. The self-employed accountant opened the envelope with dread, only to discover he had been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's Birthday Honours for more than 30 years of voluntary work.
Thompson told the Liverpool Echo: "As I started to read it, I had a hot flush, and I was actually meeting my wife, Angela and daughter, Rebecca, in Crosby village for lunch, and I took it up there and I played a little game on them." He added: "I thought I'd been caught speeding a couple of weeks ago, so I said to my wife, 'remember that time I got caught speeding?' So, I passed her the letter, so she thinks I've been caught speeding again, and I could see her face change as she read it."
From Coaching Novice to Honours Recipient
Thompson's journey to the BEM began nearly three decades ago when he took his son, Matthew, then aged five, to Fairwood Waterloo Rugby Club (FWFC) in Crosby. Despite having little rugby experience, he was asked to help as an "extra pair of eyes" and soon found himself coaching the under-5 to under-7 age groups. He has since completed a "full circle" moment by seeing his grandson, Daniel, play for the same club.
His most notable achievement has been nurturing future stars. Thompson said: "Holly Aitchison, who started with me, is a member of the current England Six Nations World Cup squad, she's played in the Olympics for Great Britain, and [I've also coached] Sarah Beckett, who also played for England in recent years." He added: "If in some small way at that young age group, I've got them hooked on it and enjoying the sport [then that's great]."
Decades of Service Beyond the Pitch
Alongside coaching, Thompson has spent 30 years helping the homeless. He is one of several volunteers who collect leftover food from Waterfields bakery in Crosby and deliver it to the Missionaries of Charity on Seel Street in Liverpool, a convent and homeless service founded by Mother Teresa. He does this every Monday and Tuesday.
Reflecting on this work, Thompson said: "Taking the food to the soup kitchen, I do always have a feeling of 'there for the grace of God go I' and you value what you have." He added: "I guess everyone thinks 'I want a bigger car, I want a bigger house, I want more of this,' but I guess when you go into town and there's a hell of a lot homeless people, and it's always on my mind that this is the most important thing that I do all week."
No Plans to Slow Down
Thompson will be formally presented with his BEM later this year at a ceremony at Fairwood Waterloo Rugby Club. Despite the honour, he has no intention of resting. He said: "I will continue to coach for as long as I get the same level of buzz out of it, and I don't foresee that changing anytime soon. I've no intention of thinking 'Oh, I've got my award now, I can sit back and just admire the medal'. I intend to continue it all for as long as I can."
