Alleyn’s Community Celebrated in King's Birthday Honours

Congratulations to Charlie Dark (Cribb’s 1989) who has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire in the King's Birthday Honours for Services to Running and to Young People.

Charlie, who is founder of Run Dem Crew is one of 1,171 people who received an award in the King’s Birthday Honours this year and is amongst the 52% of recipients recognised for carrying out work in their communities.

Charlie started running in 2006 to combat his own poor mental health, at a time when people rarely opened up about mental health. He went on to found Run Dem Crew – an inclusive running crew that embodies the spirit of unity, inspiration and change, and which has a mission that goes far beyond running alone - it also provides mentorship, advice and support and a safe and positive environment for young people across London.

On receiving the award, Charlie said on Run Dem Crew’s Facebook page:

“This is as much for me as for every kid that listened to my poems and trusted me enough to pick up the pen and put stories on paper. For everyone who's ever laced up and shared smiles and miles with the crew, my kids, my family and of course @misssanchialege who has been a major force of encouragement since our first ever date and all of the people behind the scenes who pushed to make this happen.”

Congratulations Charlie on this fantastic and well deserved achievement. We are all extremely proud of you at Alleyn’s.

We were also delighted to see our former colleague, Susie Schofield who was Head of Alumni Relations at Alleyn’s from 2005 to 2014, has been awarded an MBE for Services to Journalism and to Diversity in the Broadcasting Industry.

Susie is founder of the John Schofield Trust which supports journalists at the beginnings of their career, and works with media organisations across the UK and Ireland to advance their work in diversity and inclusion. Very many congratulations Susie from your friends and former colleagues at Alleyn's.

Photo source: Run Dem Crew's Facebook page.