Phil Veivers awarded for work with NHS

Former St Helens star Phil Veivers collected a special award as recognition for his efforts to raise awareness of the pressure on local NHS services.

Veivers is an ambassador for Beat The Scrum, a campaign that sees past and present Widnes Vikings players, and legends of St Helens and Warrington Wolves, unite to help educate the public on how to choose the right services when they are injured or ill.

The former full-back collected the award at Widnes’ recent home game against Wakefield Trinity on behalf of the Rugby League legends that have supported the campaign.

On the award, Veivers said: “It was a surprise to receive the award for my involvement in the Beat The Scrum campaign.

“When I started my involvement in the campaign, it wasn’t for awards, but to help bring the attention to the struggles the NHS has when people use it in the wrong way.

“When I turned up to the Halton Stadium to commentate on the game, it was a pleasant surprise to be invited onto the pitch to receive the award. In the end, it’s nice to realise that by getting involved in the campaign, we are making a difference.

“To receive the award was a surprise and something I feel very proud of.”