Cumbrians named in New Years Honours list
People from across the North West have been recognised for their selfless service to others this New Year.
The King’s New Year Honours List includes recipients who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities and the country as a whole.
This year, 105 people in the North West, inlcuding Cumbria have been awarded honours. This makes up nearly 9 per cent of the total number of people who have received New Year honours this year.
Speaking on the awards Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "The New Year’s Honours list recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion.
"To all honourees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all."
Sean Balmer has been awarded a BEM for services to swimming in Cumbria. He has transformed Cockermouth Swimming Club into one that has swimmers, both para and able-bodied, representing the country in events including the Commonwealth Games, Worlds and the Olympics. As a result of his influence, Cockermouth Swimming Club, which is run completely by volunteers, finished 10th overall in the National Youth Championship.
On his award, he said: "We just moved house so my letter telling me about this went elsewhere. Someone from the cabinet office then rang me chasing me up. It was quite a surprise but also hectic because of the mistake I only had a day to respond.
"We've had people competing at every single level on the spectrum of the sport of swimming.
"We've done pretty well out of it. One of our swimmers has received a medal at every junior international event and every senior.
"It's been a long time since I won a medal in swimming. I don't even know how to describe it. I'm pleased, obviously, and honoured.
"Realistically it should go to people like my wife and family who have tolerated me doing things like this all my life."
Graham Walter Hundley has been awarded a BEM for voluntary service to the British Red Cross, where he has volunteered for over 60 years. He has been a driving force behind the organisation’s Emergency Response in Cumbria initiative, which responds to emergencies such as flooding as well as building community resilience. During Covid-19, he coordinated NHS volunteers from his home, rostering them into two hospitals, sorting medical records, organising PPE and staffing the meet-and-greet service.
Penelope Kirby has been awarded an MBE for services to mountain rescue in the Lake District. She has given outstanding service to the Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team for nearly forty years and has attended over 700 rescues, giving selfless service as a rescuer, search dog handler and advanced first aider.
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.