New Year Honours: Covid heroes and NHS key workers recognised by the Queen
There were 231 people named for their services to the coronavirus crisis, including those involved in the food supply chain, prison services, the hospitality sector and national defence. Health and social care workers made up 10% of the list.
One of them was Carol Doggett, head of nursing for medicine at Morriston Hospital, in Swansea, who as honoured after caring for ICU patients throughout the pandemic. Catherine Fitzsimmons, one of the first retired nurses to return to service in Greater Manchester, also received a BEM.
Retired police officer Mark Owen, 57, who led the volunteer response to coronavirus in North Wales, also received an MBE. Nadeem Khan was awarded a BEM for helping families facing homelessness this year as a housing adviser at charity Shelter.
Retired police officer Mark Owen, 57, who led the volunteer response to coronavirus in North Wales, also received an MBE. Nadeem Khan was awarded a BEM for helping families facing homelessness this year as a housing adviser at charity Shelter.
Kim Leadbeater, the sister of murdered MP Jo Cox and ambassador of the Jo Cox Foundation, was recognised with an MBE for her work fighting social isolation. Fintech entrepreneur Manoj Varsani was also made an MBE for setting up the voluntary organisation SOS Supplies, to help prevent PPE shortages for healthcare staff.
Airline pilot Captain Emma Henderson, who set up first-class-style lounges in hospitals across the country to give exhausted NHS workers a break, was awarded an MBE.
The project was manned by former and current airline staff, the majority of whom were on furlough, and had 5,500 volunteers based in more than 80 hospitals across the UK.
Away from Covid, Royal Navy expert Lieutenant Commander Sean ‘Central’ Heaton, who oversaw the safe disposal of a 500lb Luftwaffe bomb found at London’s King George V Docks, was made an MBE.
Tifare Alexander, Prince William and Kate’s travel and logistics officer, was also made a RVO by the Queen after working for the couple for more than eight years.
Captain Emma Henderson set up first-class-style lounges in hospitals across the country to give exhausted NHS workers a break
Seven-time Formula One title winner Lewis Hamilton was finally given a knighthood, following pressure on the Prime Minister to approve the accolade. He was previously overlooked, reportedly due to his tax affairs.
In entertainment, singer and producer Craig David was awarded an MBE, while former EastEnders actress Nina Wadia and Coronation Street stalwart Sally Dynevor were also recognised.
Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville was made a CBE for services to drama and charity, and actor Toby Jones, who counts the Harry Potter franchise among his many film credits, became an OBE.