Margaret Lonergan

Islington Tribune

Margaret Lonergan has lived in Islington for the past fifty years and has been working as a Safety Control Officer (lollipop lady) for the past 47. Lonergan is the UK’s longest ever serving School Crossing Patrol. In March 2020, she was awarded the 'Lifetime Frontline Employee Award' by London Transport for her services to the community. This award was created especially for her to honour her contribution to generations of Islington school children.

After Lonergan lost her 11-year-old son in a fire, she has been passionate about child road safety. She is also very active in the local Catholic Church, the Irish community, and the Irish Club in Camden Town. Lonergan is a very gentle, quiet, understated person who simply gets on with the job and helps people regardless of their background, colour, status, and needs. The children she helps to cross the road often remember her. Lonergan commented:

I feel old whenever someone balding recognises me from their school days. I was invited to the wedding of a girl I’ve known since she was little. It’s really cool.

I get people coming up to me saying ‘You were my lollipop lady.’ They’ve grown up into these lovely young men and women with families of their own, it’s amazing.

Lonergan is an inspirational figure, putting herself out there to protect children and keep them safe from road traffic. Her drive and perseverance have made her an icon.