Two centenarian fundraisers as well as a raft of charity leaders have received awards in the New Year Honours List.
The list includes 106-year-old NSPCC fundraiser Anne Baker and 104-year-old Thames Valley Air Ambulance marathon fundraiser Ruth Sanders, who both receive an MBE.
More lovely coverage of 106-year-old fundraiser Anne Baker's MBE. Caroline Morgan from the @NSPCC said: "Anne has such spirit and determination that not even a global pandemic would stop her fundraising for her favourite charity." https://t.co/jkVbQl7UKc
— NSPCC Press Office (@NSPCC_Press) December 31, 2020
NSPCC supporter fundraising manager Caroline Morgan said: “It is truly wonderful news to hear that Anne has been honoured with an MBE. Anne has such spirit and determination that not even a global pandemic would stop her fundraising for her favourite charity.
“And this year, with the country in lockdown and so many events cancelled, we have needed the support of people like Anne more than ever. We thank Anne from the bottom of our hearts for so many decades of loyal support. Anne is an inspiration to us all, her smile lights up any room and her caring for children everywhere is hugely appreciated."
Charity CEOs honoured
Among charity leaders to be honoured include NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless, who has been awarded a knighthood for services to children and young people and the charity sector.
“It is a great privilege to lead the NSPCC and I am delighted on behalf of all our volunteers and staff to see our vital work to prevent abuse and neglect recognised in this way,” said Wanless.
"This incredible honour comes as the end of a year that has taken its toll on children. We need to come together to make sure 2021 is a better year for our young people.”
Meanwhile, chief executive of the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation Caroline Mason has received a CBE for services to the charity sector during the pandemic and an OBE has been handed to Charity Finance Group chief executive Caron Bradshaw.
Mason said: “I am delighted to accept this honour on behalf of all the excellent people that I work with everyday at Esmée and of all the amazing charities and social enterprises that, against the odds, provide so much inspiration and hope.”
Many congratulations to our Chief Executive, Caroline Mason CBE, who has been recognised with a damehood "for services to the Charity Sector, particularly during the COVID-19 response" in the 2020 New Year’s Honours list! @LineyMason https://t.co/DCqmRNutVd pic.twitter.com/Q1KEEJwO6T
— Esmée Fairbairn (@EsmeeFairbairn) December 31, 2020
Among MBE recipients are the British Red Cross’ head of crisis response Simon Lewis and chief supporting officer Paul Amadi. Lewis has been handed the award for leading the charity’s national response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Amadi has been recognised for two decades of charity work, including roles at MS Society and Diabetes UK.
We're proud to announce that our Head of Crisis Response, Simon Lewis has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's #NewYearsHonoursList.
— British Red Cross (@BritishRedCross) December 31, 2020
Simon led our national response to support people and communities affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. 👏 (1/3) pic.twitter.com/KBkI3M7dl3
Carol Akiwumi, the chief executive officer of Money4You and chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, has also received an MBE for services to financial education during Covid-19.
Campaign to reform honours system
Akiwumi has marked her award to issue a reminder of a charity leaders’ campaign that launched last year, to reform the honours system by replacing the word ‘Empire’ with ‘Excellence’.
Thank you all for the kind wishes.
— AmickyCarol Akiwumi MBE (@AmickyCarol) December 31, 2020
I’m flattered & humbled by the recognition for my MBE.
I’m also acutely aware that there
are so many phenomenal people paving the way in their communities who haven’t made it on the #Honours2021 list. pic.twitter.com/34mMk1oL4G
Others to be named in the Honours list include Jennifer Sims the founder and CEO of recycling and disability employment charity Pembrokeshire Frame, which has provided hot meals and food bags to communities impacted by the pandemic. She has been handed a BEM (British Empire Medal).
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “As well as running a successful charity, Jennifer has worked tirelessly during the Covid-19 pandemic to deliver hot meals and bags of food to vulnerable people.
“Stories like hers are the bright spots of the past year. I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to Jennifer on receipt of this honour.”
Another BEM recipient is Shelter helpline advisor Nadeem Khan. He was praised after delivering housing advice via webchat to people impacted by homelessness in Britain, while he was in Pakistan, unable to return to the UK due to the pandemic. This was delivered via his personal laptop from a rooftop in Lahore.
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