England footballer Chloe Kelly was among six people from Ealing who have been awarded the Freedom of the Borough at a civic ceremony held at Gunnersbury Park Museum on Wednesday (25 March 2026) evening.
The honour, the highest a local authority can bestow, recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the borough or enhanced its reputation more widely. The ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Anthony Kelly, and attended by councillors, civic representatives and invited guests.
The England Lioness, who grew up in Hanwell and attended Elthorne Park High School, was recognised for her role in England’s recent tournament successes, including scoring the winning goal in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 final.
Former Ealing Southall MP Virendra Sharma was honoured for decades of public service locally and nationally. Mr Sharma, who also served more than 20 years as a councillor and was the borough’s mayor, said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Ealing, a borough that represents the very best of modern Britain.”
Former broadcast journalist Sara Nathan was recognised for her longstanding work supporting refugees in the borough and beyond. Mrs Nathan said: “I’m both flattered and surprised by this award … I’m hoping it’s as well as, not instead of, tangible support for Ealing Sanctuary Hub and a symbol of Ealing’s commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary.”
Also recognised was Pragna Patel, a long-standing campaigner for women’s rights and social justice, and founder of Southall Black Sisters.
Eric and Jessica Huntley were awarded the honour posthumously for their work establishing Bogle-L’Ouverture Publications, a pioneering Black publishing house in West Ealing that had a lasting impact on education, culture and civil rights. Their award was collected by daughter Accabre Rutlin on behalf of her parents.
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