Dannevirke: Avid fundraiser receives Queen's Medal

The Boyden family at Government House in Wellington last Wednesday morning: Back, Grant and Barbara Boyden. Middle, Geoff Boyden (left), his wife, Glenys, Melanie, the wife of the late Jason, and Craig Boyden. Front, Shirley and Clive Boyden with a photo of their son, Jason, and Craig's wife, Anne. Photo / Supplied

Last Wednesday's Queen's Service Medal presentation at Government House in Wellington was a particularly emotional event for Woodville's Clive Boyden.

And Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae acknowledged the moment was "bittersweet" for Mr Boyden, when he realised the significance of the photo of his late son, Jason, that he carried with him.

"It was a pretty special moment, but tinged with sadness as I remembered my son, Jason, who passed away from cancer just two weeks after setting all this in motion," Mr Boyden told the Dannevirke News. "Jason had done the spadework and then handed it all over to Stewart Davies, a trustee of the Phillips Rescue Service, and my brother. Standing there receiving the QSM, I hoped Jason was there looking down on me. That was the one sad thing about the ceremony, he wasn't with me."

Woodville's Clive Boyden is congratulated by the Governor General, Sir Jerry Mateparae, on receiving his Queen's Service Medal.

Mr Boyden, who has been a member of the Woodville Lions for 37 years, was awarded his Queen's Service Medal for services to the community for his outstanding efforts in organising events which have raised $460,000 for the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter service and the Arohanui Hospice through two events: the Suzuki Coast to Coast motorcycle ride and the Manawatu Gorge track and tunnel walk. And with another $22,000 raised early this month from the 21st track and tunnel walk, Mr Boyden's efforts continue, spurred on by the memory of his son who was so proud of his father's achievements.

"I had no idea when I first began organising these two events that one day Jason would need both services as he battled cancer," Mr Boyden said. Mr Boyden was supported by his family, including daughter-in-law Melanie, Jason's wife, at the ceremony which included one knighthood.

"I was so impressed when Sir Jerry spoke to me personally about my achievements, because I thought it would be a one-speech-fits-all moment," Mr Boyden said. "Instead, he said 'Clive, you've been able to utilise your interest in motorcycles and walking to raise this money'. I thought, wow, he's researched this. It was brilliant," he said.