A DEDICATED humanitarian was straight back to his charitable work after receiving a prestigious honour.
Retired family court judge Anthony Cleary, from Leamington, has been recognised as one of the winners of this year’s The Times Sternberg Active Life Awards – honouring the achievements of people over the age of 70 who have excelled in charitable endeavours both in the UK and abroad.
Since retiring from the judiciary, Anthony has dedicated himself to supporting those affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Over the past four years, he has personally taken part in nine ambulance missions, covering thousands of kilometres and helping to deliver life-saving vehicles and humanitarian support, through Leamington-based Belveder CIC, the community organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable people locally and delivering vital aid to Ukraine.
Anthony, who received an OBE in 2022 for services to the family justice system, has also raised funds through JustGiving campaigns, private donations and his own personal contributions to help purchase ambulances and essential supplies.
The Times award ceremony took place at 11 Downing Street on April 23, but the following morning Anthony set off again to deliver another ambulance to war-torn Ukraine.
Anthony’s life has long reflected service, compassion and action. He adopted and raised a son rescued from a Romanian orphanage, later writing about that experience in his book Nobody Comes, and until this year, served on the Parole Board as a Judicial Member.
Dawid Kozlowski of Belveder CIC said: “Anthony’s example shows that making a real difference is not about seeking recognition, but about quietly and consistently helping others. We are incredibly proud of him and deeply grateful for all that he continues to do.”
