An annual award in memory of a respected figure within the construction industry has been bestowed upon his son.
The Gary Neville Award was introduced by the Deeley Group to recognise the employee who has demonstrated the most commitment to their role within the company over the previous year.
The fitting tribute, which is voted for by employees, was presented for the first time in 2012 following the untimely death of Gary Neville who had joined the Deeley Group as an apprentice before progressing to become a senior contracts manager.
This year’s award has been shared between Marc Neville and Carol Thomas after they received the same number of votes.
Marc followed in his father’s footsteps in 2006 when he joined the Coventry-based Deeley Group and has since advanced from trainee manager to site engineer.
He said: “I am very proud. It makes me feel there is a bit of dad in me, like I’m a chip off the old block, and that I have got some of his attributes which are remembered in this award.
“I like to think that I get on well with everyone on site and try to help my colleagues as much as I can. It’s nice that it’s the people you work with day to day that vote for the award.
“He would be delighted that I’m sharing it with Carol. The three of us were among of group of employees who completed a 75-mile coastal walk for charity in 2011 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Deeley Group.
“As well as knowing Carol from the office, dad also got to know her on a personal level when we did the trek.”
Carol, a contract administrator, has just celebrated her 20th year with the Deeley Group having joined as an office junior from secondary school.
She said: “I was totally surprised but over the moon to receive the award. I worked with Gary for a long time and it was a great experience when we did the coastal walk together so it really does mean a lot.
“I had some nice comments about my attitude and how I get on well with people at work. Apparently, I don’t complain either but I’m not so sure about that!”
Gary’s wife, Julie, presented Marc and Carol with their trophies and was joined by her daughter, Emma Rowlands, and Carol’s mother, Ann Thomas.
Julie said: “Gary would be so proud of Marc. It was a lovely surprise when I found out and I’m sure his dad would also have been a bit shocked.
“Marc and Carol are both obviously highly thought of by their colleagues and I think it’s great for them to be recognised by those they work with in this way.”
Peter Deeley, managing director of the Deeley Group, said it was the first time that the votes had been tied for the award.
He said: “Carol and Marc received some excellent comments from their colleagues stating their particular willingness to help and support everyone they deal with during the working day.
“Their absolute commitment and natural ability to help people fit into the team shone through. They stood out for going the extra mile for others which was one of Gary’s many fine qualities and so it is very fitting that they should both receive the award to honour his memory.”