Milton Keynes Charity Founder awarded the British Citizen Award for his services: MKFM 106.3FM

Ross Hockham BCAe received his Medal of Honor from Specsavers founder and patron of the BCA, Dame Mary Perkins.

Despite being a full-time London firefighter, Ross also dedicates his time to helping others in the community.

In 2014, without knowing anything about astronomy, Ross decided to create a charity “UK Astronomy”.

Ross began visiting schools and community groups and working with local councils to inspire thousands of people to look wonderfully at our skies.

He thinks astronomy has no barriers and is a great way to bring people of all races, genders and ages together.

Ross has organized sessions for local care centers, helping people with dementia and also supports local charities through astronomy as a way to attract people to their events.

Since UK astronomy was established in 2014, interest has grown rapidly. Ross now organizes events across the UK, working alongside the National Trust, schools, stately homes, care homes and local community interest groups.

During the pandemic, online membership rose from 6,000 to 20,000 members.

Ross Hockham BCAe, founder of UK Astronomy, said: “We came to Parliament along with a host of others to receive a medal and a certificate for services to education. I felt truly humble to have been nominated and chosen to receive a British Citizens Award, which I didn’t even know until I received an email a couple of months ago.

“My wife and my friend had secretly appointed me, today I realized that thanks to all those who have supported us, believed in us and volunteered that we have changed not only our local communities, but so hopefully across the UK. So a MASSIVE thank you to everyone and please continue to help inspire and look amazed … ”