'I'm bursting with pride' - Speedo Mick receives his Liverpool Citizen of Honour award

Super-fundraiser Speedo Mick says he was “bursting with pride” as he received one of Liverpool’s top accolades last night.

Speedo Mick was made a Citizen of Honour at the Town Hall in recognition of his incredible achievements for charity.

And, in true Mick style, he had everyone up on their feet and clapping as he celebrated with a dance at the front of a packed council chamber!

Swapping his Everton blue Speedos for a suit and hat for the occasion, he brought his trademark levels of energy and entertainment to the event, giving a hands in the air performance to Love Inc’s You’re A Superstar.

Friends and family cheered to the club anthem lyrics: “Reach for the sky and hold your head up high, for tonight and every night, you’re a superstar.”

The ceremony came almost exactly a year since Mick completed what’s likely to be his final trek, from John O’Groats to Land’s End in Cornwall, raising money for small local charities up and down the country through The Speedo Mick Foundation.

The 1000-mile challenge, which included climbing the three peaks of Ben Nevis, Scarfell Pike and Snowdon, brought his fundraising to an amazing total in excess of £1million.

Last night, in front of dignitaries and Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Mary Rasmussen, he was presented with the Citizen of Honour.

The award was introduced by the city council in our Capital of Culture year, 2008, to recognise people from all walks of life who have devoted their time and made significant, exceptional or unique contributions to enriching the image of the city.

Among the previous recipients have been Carl Bartels who designed the Liver Bird, co-founders of The Lily Centre breast cancer support group Winnie Keating and Peggy O’Brien, pop artist Sir Peter Blake who’s best known for his Beatles Sgt Pepper album artwork, DJ and radio presenter Billy Butler and poet Levi Tafari.

Mick said he was really excited and very nervous to have ‘Michael Cullen’ now featured on such a great list of names on Liverpool’s roll of honour.

“I’m also feeling extremely honoured to receive this prestigious award The Liverpool Citizen of Honour Award and very proud of my achievement,” he added.

“All of my family were there to witness this very special moment and it is made even more special than it already is because it’s from my home town. I am bursting with pride.”