Selfless Bob devoted to charity work

HONOUR . . . Bob Holt

A SUCCESSFUL businessman who has devoted a large part of his life to charity work has been awarded an OBE in the New Year honours.

As chairman of several public companies, Oldham-born Bob Holt has not only made valuable contributions to a wide variety of UK businesses but has also given huge amounts of his energy and time to charity.

Former Counthill School pupil Bob (61) has spent all his adult life helping people in need and set up the Footprints Foundation in 2008.

When he turned 50 in 2004, Bob decided to take part in charitable walks and has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for good causes since then.

Bob, who now lives in London, said: “I was delighted to receive the indication I had been recognised in the New Year honours. I’m a proud royalist and this award is accepted on behalf of all the people who continue to help in improving lives both in the UK and overseas. The award will drive me to increase my commitment to the wider community.

“I would also like to say thank-you to the many wonderful people who have helped me with my charitable efforts. There’s still a lot of work to be done but I feel immensely proud and encouraged.”