England's deputy chief medical officer is given Freedom of Boston
A ceremony for Professor Sir Joanthan Van Tam was held at Boston United FC last night
England's Deputy Chief Medical officer Professor Sir Jonathan Van Tam has been given the freedom of the Borough of Boston.
He was given the honour last night at the home of his favourite football team Boston United.
Professor Van Tam grew up in the area.
He's been recognised for his achievements in supporting the country through the Covid 19 pandemic.
He was there throughout the pandemic offering advice and becoming a household name following his involvement in televised press briefings
His football analogies became famous as he used them to explain the latest updates on Covid.
What is less well known is the part Professor Van Tam has played in the local community during the pandemic.
This included of course supporting Boston United but also giving some of their players their jabs, giving talks at local schools and helping in the vaccination roll out at the town’s Princess Royal Sports Arena centre.
Yesterday The Worshipful the Mayor of Boston, Councillor Frank Pickett, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the work that Professor Van-Tam has done over the past two years in helping respond to the pandemic, he has played an incredibly important part of the country’s response and has arguably become one of the most recognisable people in the country.
The Honorary Freedom of Boston is the perfect way to recognise those contributions and his ongoing support for the town.
"Once you are awarded the freedom of the borough you are allowed to drive your sheep over the Town Bridge and into the Market Place. Good luck with that."
Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam, said: "This honour is actually really, really significant to me because it's the highest honour of the borough that Boston can give to anyone or any organisation. It's just a very humbling experience for your own town to do this to you.
“It has been a privilege serving this country in such a difficult time and something I do not regret for one single second.
“I don't feel worthy of this accolade so it's deeply humbling and shocking to receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Boston."
Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Skinner, said: “Sir Jonathan Van-Tams involvement in our borough and across the country this part few years especially have been a great source of pride for Boston and his advice and guidance has played a vital role in protecting and reassuring our town and the wider nation, which has made him a national treasure.”