Birmingham's Batonbearers

Trading Standards Investigator with the council for the last decade, John McCarthy has lived in Coventry for the last 20 years. Having served as a member of her majesty’s Police Force for 30 years prior to joining the council, he is very happy to be chosen as one of her baton bearers. Having received this wonderful news, we can understand why as his achievements are many.

In 2020 John proudly received the West Midlands Citizen of the Year as following witnessing a robbery in his bank, John ran after the machete wielding thief and rugby tackled him to the ground until Police arrived. Post lockdown this act of bravery was further recognised and John was awarded the National Police Public Bravery Award 2022.

Although no longer an active player he is an avid supporter of his local rugby club, and he clearly picked up some great tackling skills, and he believes children benefit from the enjoyment and discipline of rugby and sport generally. Over the years John has been a keen fundraiser for charities and notably ‘Zoe’s Place Children’s Hospice’ has benefitted from his many fundraising events culminating in 12 marathons at both London and New York.

As a family man and foster carer, John believes you are here to ‘get on and enjoy life’ and certainly his contribution as a foster family for the last 20 years will have had a positive impact on many young people who will now be there to proudly support him as a baton bearer.