Award-winning Lay Chaplain goes above and beyond

Neil Biles, Community Chaplain of St Mary's Church Weymouth, which is in the Radipole and Melcombe Regis Benefice, was described as "A man who goes above and beyond to help others" when he was presented with the award by the Mayor, Cllr Gill Taylor.

The Good Citizen Awards have run for a number of years and are a way that the Mayor can acknowledge the unsung heroes of this Borough. Recipients are nominated confidentially by the communties they serve.

Neil, who is also the Lay Chair of the Weymouth and Portland Deanery, said:
"It is truly humbling to receive this award as I never set out to win anything. My faith, my beliefs and my role as community chaplain are based on the journey of Jesus, who came to serve people and to offer an alternative way of living, to offer forgiveness, to encourage us to live in harmony with each other and the world as we know it today.

"My life’s journey now is to raise money for my role as Community Chaplain in Westham and Weymouth town centre to bless the community, particularly those who find themselves in difficult situations, financially, emotionally and those not knowing if there is a tomorrow and believe there is no hope. I want to show these people that there is hope, hope here in Weymouth and Portland.

"Of course, behind every great man is a great woman. I’m indebted to my wife Jacky (36 years married) who has supported me all over the years through encouragement and getting involved and to my wonderful children, Caroline, Charlie, Marcus and Maria who are an inspiration to me."

Cllr Gill Taylor said: "With respect to Neil – he is well known to anyone who volunteers in the Borough as he pops up all over the place whenever volunteers are needed. It was such a pleasure to give this award to him."