Charity CEO made custodian of Leigh war hero’s medals on first anniversary of his passing

Compassion in Action’s CEO Pam Gilligan has been presented with the military medals of a local war hero on the first anniversary of his passing.

World War Two veteran Ken Preter, who was born and bred in Leigh, died on 25 July 2023 at the age of 99.

A much-loved and respected attendee of the charity’s weekly Veterans’ Brunch, Ken never received his service medals until Pam, with the support of Andy Burnham, successfully applied for them on his behalf in 2016 – putting his 75-year wait to an end.

Now, Ken’s Defence Medal and Second World War campaign medal have come full circle – being returned to Pam for safe-keeping.

“I was honoured when Ken’s medals were passed to me by his family,” said Keith Stott, Vice Chairman of the Greater Manchester County of the Royal British Legion. “However, it is only right that they should go to Pam, as Pam was the one who instigated applying for them on Ken’s behalf in the first place.

‘Ken thought the world of Pam and used to look forward to attending the Veterans’ Brunch every Thursday, where he was well looked after. This is the right place for Ken’s medals to be, and I know Pam will value and care for them – a decision that is fully supported by Ken’s family.”

A poppy wreath and message of remembrance was displayed at this week’s brunch to mark Ken’s anniversary.

Pam said: “It is hard to believe a whole year has gone by since we lost Ken, who was so special to us all. He is very much missed, and his legacy of service lives on in his incredible story. To be asked to be the custodian of Ken’s medals is an incredible honour, and I am very thankful to Keith and to Ken’s family for recognising how much that would mean to me personally, and to us all as a charity. His medals will be treasured, as well as our wonderful memories of the day they were presented to Ken, with a full Guard of Honour.”

To read more about Ken’s war record, click here.

Keith Cunliffe , Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, is pictured with Pam Gilligan and Keith Stott