The RFL adds congratulations to Mark Tobin, the Chair of Portico Vine ARLFC and a key figure in the Great Britain Police Rugby League Association, for the MBE he was awarded in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to policing.
Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Development, said:
“Portico Vine are an outstanding community club, and this was recognised last year when they received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, as well as our own Community Hub Leaders Award.
“As chairman, Mark Tobin has been a leading figure in the inspirational development of Portico Vine in recent years, and he makes a further contribution to Rugby League through the GB Police RL Association.
“So we are delighted to congratulate him for the MBE he has received for his services to policing.”
Responding to the news in the St Helens Star, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said:
“Mark is one of those incredible people who has dedicated a huge portion of his life and service to supporting others through his charitable work.
“His selfless contribution throughout the last 15 years has been amazing and in that time he has raised more than £1million for charities and community organisations including Portico Vine ARLFC, the Doyle Phillips Foundation, Great Britain Police Rugby League Association, the force’s Baby Loss Peer Support Group, Miscarriage Association and Care of Police Survivors.
“Mark started his charitable work following the death of his colleague Sgt Darren Southern 15 years ago and since then the funds that he has raised has supported and helped so many others and it is fitting that he has received this award.”
