10 May 2013

Today, British Athletics’ Major Events Director Cherry Alexander received her MBE at Buckingham Palace from His Royal Highness Prince Charles, for services to sport.

Since the 1980’s Cherry has built a reputation for dedicating herself to athletics, working with thousands of athletes and volunteers alike to ensure athletics events across the length and breadth of the country run smoothly. A member of South Shields Harriers as a youngster, Alexander’s first job within athletics was as PA to none other than Charlie Spedding, and since then she has never looked back.

Cherry has been involved in athletics for over 30 years, and has been instrumental in the success of UK Athletics over the last two decades, working across a multitude of domestic and international competitions. Her biggest success has undoubtedly been in delivering numerous major events on British soil and in playing an integral part in bringing the IAAF World Championships and IPC Athletics World Championships to Great Britain in 2017.

Her tireless work has been spread across the full athletics spectrum, from grassroots to elite performance. Alexander has also worked with clubs and competition providers across the four home nations to create a modernised and athlete focused competition environment.

Describing Cherry Alexander, UKA Chairman Ed Warner said: “Cherry is the heart and soul of athletics in the UK and a mark of her contribution is that many, many people take her work for granted, but know in their hearts that they would really notice its absence. Her award is richly deserved.”

Alexander describes the moment when she found out about her award:  “I was chuffed to bits when I received the letter. It was a really nice surprise, but what was overwhelming was when people found out and sent their messages of congratulations. I work with a lot of volunteers and to be congratulated by them, it was extra special.”

“I have been really privileged in my job, and there isn’t a day which goes by when I’m not grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”