Javelin champion Fatima Whitbread awarded Brentwood freedom

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:32 · Archive

Double Olympic medallist Fatima Whitbread MBE has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Brentwood.

Fatima Whitbread MBE, a double Olympic medallist, has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Brentwood. The honour was formally approved at an Extraordinary Council on November 11 in recognition of her sporting achievements and dedication to supporting children in care and care leavers.

Ms Whitbread is a World Champion and European Champion in javelin. She was the first British athlete to set a world record in a throwing event, reaching 77.44 metres at the 1986 European Championships. She said: 'I'm deeply honoured to be made an Honorary Freewoman of the Borough of Brentwood, a place I'm proud to call home. This means a great deal to me, and I share it with everyone in our community who gives their time and heart to help children in care and young people leaving care feel they belong and have the chance to thrive.'

Beyond her sporting career, Ms Whitbread has become an advocate for children in care, drawing on her own experience growing up in the care system. Her national campaign, based in Brentwood, aims to improve outcomes for vulnerable young people. Earlier this year she led the UK's first national care summit, bringing together representatives from health, housing, education, sport, business, the arts and technology. Her campaign promotes practical support through mentoring, financial education, employment opportunities and community partnerships.

How it is being reported

• Double Olympic medallist honoured with prestigious Essex awardOlympic champion, Fatima Whitbread MBE, who appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, has been honoured with the Freedom of Brentwood borough.Echo (Basildon) · 13 Nov, 17:00
• Double Olympic medallist honoured with prestigious Essex awardOlympic champion, Fatima Whitbread MBE, who appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, has been honoured with the Freedom of Brentwood borough.Colchester Gazette · 13 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Fatima Whitbread · Brentwood

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