Peter Dolan awarded BEM at Hillsborough ceremony

Peter Dolan was, this week, officially presented with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his campaign and charity work following the death of his son, Enda, who was tragically killed in a road traffic collision almost ten years ago.

The Killyclogher man received the BEM from the Lord Lieutenant of Tyrone, Robert Lowry Scott during a special ceremony held at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down.

Enda was killed by a drunk driver during his first term studying ‘Architecture’ at Queen’s University in Belfast.

Since then, through The Enda Dolan Foundation and the Run for Enda programme, Peter Dolan has been inspired to campaign for higher sentences for those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has also helped and encouraged hundreds of local people to commence their own personal running journeys, most recently, inspiring novice runners to complete last weekend’s Omagh Half Marathon.

Mr Dolan was accompanied to the ceremony on Tuesday by his wife, Niamh, his father, PJ Dolan, and mother, Nataline.

Speaking to the UH, Mr Dolan described the award as ‘bitter-sweet’.

“Obviously we wouldn’t be there if our Enda had not been killed tragically,” he said.

“But you have to pick yourself up, get on with things, and see what you can do.

“A key aspect to our work is to campaign to ensure that those convicted of causing death by dangerous driving receive longer sentences.

“This process is ongoing, and we will keep campaigning until we get that over the line.”

Mr Dolan is particularly pleased with the impact of the Run For Enda on the wider community.

“The Run for Enda programme has been amazing in helping people to make a positive change in their lifestyle.

“It was fantastic to see the large numbers of Run for Enda t-shirts worn by those in the Omagh Half Marathon.

“Many of those who took part in Run For Enda started with a 5k, and then graduated to a half marathon. Some have even gone on to complete a full marathon.

“It is really great to have played a role in those personal achievements, and to see the Run For Enda community continuing to grow over the years.”