Ex-Manchester United stars Gary and Phil Neville's mum given town freedom after long-serving work with Bury FC
The mother of former Manchester United stars Gary and Phil Neville is being given the freedom of Bury, the borough council announced today.
Jill Neville receives the award in recognition of her unique and enduring contribution to the development of Bury Football Club as a community club, women's sport and more generally sport in the community.
The 61-year-old, of course, comes from a very sporting family: her children, including netball champion Tracey, have all represented England.
Her husband Neville Neville is also well-known in football and enjoyed a long association with Bury FC.
The deeply honoured sporting-stalwart said: “"It took my breath away when I got the letter, I didn't think I was qualified for it!”
Mrs Neville is Bury born and bred, and still lives in the borough.
She used to work for the council in the environmental health and housing departments in between raising her family, and ran her own business before joining Bury FC.
Nowadays she plays rounders and netball and continues to promote sport in the area.
Two other people who have given great service to Bury over many years are also to be given honorary freedom of the borough.
They are former Whitefield councillor Derek Boden OBE and East Bury community activist Harry Reed.
They will be presented with commemorative medals and scrolls at a special meeting of Bury Council on Wednesday July 4, starting at 4pm.
They will follow in the footsteps of recent Freemen of Bury, who include the Oscar-winning film-maker Danny Boyle, members of the rock group Elbow, and Paralympian gold medalist Zoe Robinson, along with the late Albert Little, the first leader of the council and former mayor.
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