Both Tommy Coyle and Neil Hudgell are to receive Honorary Freedom of the City of Hull.
After their nominations were agreed by Hull City Council’s Civic Committee, Full Council has now approved the awards, meaning both men will be granted the Honorary Freedom of the City at an official ceremony at a later date.
The former Commonwealth lightweight champion boxer, Mr Coyle, who has turned his attention to community work after a highly successful careering in boxing, winning 25 of his 30 professional fights, was nominated by Cllr Shane McMurray (Labour, Central ward).
In a separate nomination, Neil Hudgell was nominated by the leader of the Hull Labour Group, Cllr Daren Hale (St Andrews and Docklands ward). Dr Hudgell is the owner of Hull KR, during of one of the most successful stints in the club’s history.
Dr Hudgell is also recognised beyond the world of sport as Executive Chairman of Hudgell Solicitors, where his legal work has included representing victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal. During the Full Council meeting, Cllr Hale said: “If it wasn’t for Neil, those Post Office Masters and Mistresses would not have justice.”
The chair of the Civic Committee is the Lord Mayor, Cllr Cheryl Payne, who said: “Both Tommy and Neil have established very successful careers from the city of Hull, and are inspirations to others about what can be achieved here.
“They’ve both given back so much to the communities that made them, and the Honorary Freedom of the City is a very fitting honour for them.”
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
