Acton Firefighter and Former England Footballer Wins Honour
Kimberley Jerray-Silver given British Citizen Award
Kimberley Jerray-Silver.
Picture: BCA
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July 9, 2025
An Acton firefighter who is also a former England football international is to visit the Palace of Westminster later this month to receive an award.
47-year-old Kimberley Jerray-Silver is a recipient of the British Citizen Award (BCA) Medal of Honour for Services to Community (BCAc). These are sometimes known as the Peoples Honours and, as with an MBE or OBE, she will be entitled to signify her achievement by using the initials of the award after her name.
Kim has worked for London Fire Brigade since 2004 and organises the regular community events at Acton Fire Station including quarterly tea parties to help combat loneliness in the area as well as Halloween parties for children. Important fire safety information is shared on these occasions. She has worked in partnership with Ealing Council and Ealing Community Transport to ensure isolated residents can get to the events. Over 1,500 residents attended events she organised last year.
Before becoming a firefighter, she had played football including for Arsenal Ladies between 1996 and 1999. She was one of the first female professional footballers in Europe and played for a hugely successful Fulham Ladies team between 2000 to 2003 winning the treble in her final year with the club. Her penalty secured victory in the Nationwide League Cup final against Arsenal Ladies. She was chosen to play for England during the Women’s qualifying stages of the Euros in 1997 against Portugal at Griffin Park. During this time Kim lost her father to cancer and immediately stepped up to care for her Mum and Sister.
In 2020, she was recognised with the “Bright Light” award by the Women’s Fire Service Association (WFS) for her dedication to elderly people in her local community. Judges noted her as someone who “lives and breathes” the London Fire Brigade—a compassionate role model. She was among the first on the scene at Edgware Road during the 7 July London bombings in 2005.
The ceremony will be taking place on Thursday 24 July and will be hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright in the presence of BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, co-founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, Kim and the 26 other medallists receiving their awards will enjoy an Open Top Lap of Honour tour to celebrate.
Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented, "This year's medallists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We're honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals."
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