Nine people from East Lancashire have been given awards in the New Year's Honours list for 2024.
The latest round of awards have been revealed ahead of the start of the new year on Monday, with celebrities, public servants, community activists and those who have dedicated their lives to industries honoured
Across East Lancashire, one person was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire), four were given an MBE (Member of the British Empire), two were awarded with a BEM (British Empire Medal), and one was given the KPM (King's Police Medal).
Travis Frain
A Darwen man who survived the Westminster Bridge terror attack has been made an OBE for his work to combat radicalism.
Travis Frain, 25, was hit by a car driven by Khalid Masood on the bridge in London in March 2017.
Mr Frain was thrown into the air after hitting the bonnet of the car, suffering a broken leg and numerous other injuries, including a shrapnel wound and broken fingers.
The incident happened while he was on a university trip to Whitehall.
Since then, Mr Frain has campaigned for the rights of terrors victims and improved support from the state, while also trying to prevent future attacks.
He campaigned for a plaque to be installed on Westminster Bridge in memory of those affected, goes into schools and colleges to share his experience, and has run educational workshops.
Mr Frain created the Resilience in Unity Project in 2021, which records the testimonies of people affected by terror attacks in a bid to prevent people being radicalised.
He is also a member of the advisory boards of Counter Terrorism Policing and charities including the National Emergencies Trust.
He said: “The simple fact is that the state can and should be doing more.
"I think in many ways this honour is a recognition of the countless late nights chipping away behind the scenes to try and lobby the Government for change.
“My only hope is that with this honour I am able to continue to drive home that message to get changes that are needed.”
Mr Frain spent eight days in hospital after the attack, having two operations, and one of his visitors was the King, who was then the Prince of Wales.
Mr Frain said: “I spent about six months on crutches, followed by having to use a walking stick and then had about two years of physiotherapy.
“I just felt that what I had experienced had changed my mindset and made me realise there was a lot of work that needs to be done in this area to try and counter extremism and try to prevent these attacks from happening in the future.
“I figured that if there was something, however small, I could do to contribute then I absolutely should do it once I was back in full working order.”
Mr Frain said he was “immensely proud and humbled by the award”, adding: “There are a lot of people out there who may not have a story like mine but may be working behind the scenes and will never get recognition.
“We often hear that lessons will be learned. You would hope those lessons are being learned but I think it is still important that we bang the drum about why changes and improvement are necessary.”
Imran Patel
A Blackburn volunteer says he is “honoured” to have received an MBE as part of the New Year’s Honours List.
Imran Patel is part of the Blackburn Muslim Burial Society, as well as being a governor at Star Academies, volunteering at Brookhouse Development Group, and being part of the Lancashire Council of Mosques.
He said: “We really are a team. I can’t thank all the groups enough.
"We’ve become a family and so to get an award as an individual, it was a surprise, but I’m honoured to receive it.
“I don’t know who nominated me but I’m guessing it’s for a combination of all the different work I do. We have a good team of people.
“When it comes to bereavement, we support the families and help them through their bereavement process for a quick and speedy burial.
“It’s the first individual award I think I’ve ever received. It’s flattering.”
Imran was at the forefront of the Burial Society’s success when they won The Leader’s Award at the One Voice Blackburn 1V Awards in 2021.
This was for the commitment they showed to their work despite the challenges put in place by the pandemic.
Patricia Rogers
A Blackburn woman who set up a charity in memory of her late son after he was the victim of a one-punch attack has been recognised with an MBE.
Adam Rogers was killed in July 2009 when he was trying to lead somebody away from a fight in Blackburn town centre, but was killed in a one-punch attack.
His parents, Patricia and Dave Rogers, set up the charity Every Action Has Consequences, and have been actively going into schools and prisons over the last 14 years to teach young people about the consequences their actions can have.
Patricia said: “When I received the letter it was quite overwhelming.
"It is obviously a great honour but it’s also tinged with sadness as my husband Dave isn’t here to share it with me.
"I have no idea who put me forward but it was a real surprise and I just feel quite overwhelmed.
“It was obviously a devastating experience and we felt we really needed to do something positive in Adam’s memory, and although it was very difficult at the time, we decided this was the right way to go.
“We set up the charity Every Action Has Consequences and for the last 14 years we’ve worked towards trying to help get the message across.
"It’s been very successful. We’ve talked to hundreds of thousands of people. We get a great response because we have a very personal story.”
The pandemic hit the charity hard in terms of funding and because they could not carry out their vital work in person. This was also when Dave became ill, and Patricia spent a year caring for him at home.
But now, Patricia’s other son, Tim, works with her and they are continuing to spread their important message.
She said: “It was a time when we could have easily said ‘we’ve done our time and we have made a difference’ and it’s now time to step back. That did cross our minds but it wasn’t the right thing to do.
“Whoever nominated me, it’s for the work we’ve done over the past 14 years and the impact we’ve had on young people.”
David Short
A retired technology engineer has been awarded an MBE for services to military capability as part of the New Year's Honours list.
David Short's last role at BAE Systems was group technology director, and he spent a vast amount of his career at the company working on complex systems and aviation electronics.
From Lytham St Anne's, David was the chief engineer on the F-35 at Samlesbury and also worked on the Tornado Hawk and Typhoon at the site, which has employed hundreds from East Lancashire over the years
He said: "I had a bit of a reputation dealing with complex systems issues and being able to sort problems out.
"The last five years of my career I was based down in London at the head office and I was group technology director, looking at technology and capability across all the BAE Systems businesses and also working closely with the US and Australia.
"Obviously I'm not party to any process to do with the MBE award but I think there's a holistic view that's taken of the day job and some other things I've been involved with in a number of years.
"I'm absolutely chuffed. It's a great surprise. I had some fantastic opportunities within BAE Systems."
Waqas Arshad
The secretary of a land trust in Nelson has been awarded a BEM on the New Year's Honours list.
Waqas Arshad is part of the Bradley Big Local Community Land Trust, aiming to provide affordable homes and services and bring environmental improvements to the Bradley area of Nelson.
The trust has, to date, completed the development of four semi-detached houses on derelict land at Beech Street and taken over the management of Hodge House Community Centre on Regent Street.
It is now in the process of developing the community centre and the playing field into a community-focussed leisure and wellbeing centre, with a full-size 3G artificial pitch at the heart of it.
The trust is run by a voluntary board of directors, all of whom live locally and offer their free time to making lasting improvements in the area.
Waqas said: "I am deeply humbled and excited to announce that I've been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM). This recognition fills my heart with gratitude, and it's an honour shared with each of you - my family, friends, colleagues, and the incredible individuals I've met along my journey, including those involved with Big Local.
"To my family and friends, your unwavering support has been my anchor. To my colleagues, both past and present, your collaboration and shared efforts have been instrumental and to the amazing individuals I've crossed paths with through Big Local, our collective commitment to resident led empowerment has undoubtedly played a significant role in this achievement.
"I believe in the power of unity, and I'm inspired by the positive impact we can create together. This medal symbolises our shared commitment to making a difference in our communities and beyond."
Christine Kenyon
A college governor with a long history of working in education has been recognised with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours for Services to Further Education.
Christine Kenyon, one of the governors at the Nelson and Colne College Group (NCCG), has been recognised for her contributions to and innovative impact on further education over her 35-year career.
She started her career in 1989 with Blackpool and Fylde College before going on to hold senior leadership positions at Runshaw College and Blackburn College, before joining The Manchester College as vice principal in 2014 and becoming deputy principal in 2019.
In her roles in further education, Ms Kenyon devised and implemented employer partnership strategies, enabling as many students as possible to access extended and meaningful work placements to broaden their skills and prepare them for work.
She was also instrumental in the national launch of T Levels, using her experience to shape strategies to encourage employers to engage in the development of the new flagship technical qualification.
Ms Kenyon said: “I feel humbled and proud to have received an MBE in recognition of my contributions to further education.
"Throughout my career I have had the privilege of working alongside so many talented colleagues and students – without whom I wouldn’t be receiving this award today.
“Further education is a door that is always open to everybody regardless of their starting point.
"My career started with a course at my local further education college and I am testament to the positive impact that further education can have on your career aspirations.”
Chair of governor’s at NCCG, Phil Wilkinson, added: “Christine’s passion and enthusiasm to both champion further education and ensure that as many people as possible are to benefit from it are unparalleled.
“She has already brought so much to our discussions and is supporting NCCG to further enhance its alignment between technical education and employers.”
John Fielding
Mr Fielding has been honoured with the British Empire Medal for his services to young people and the community in Lancashire.
Mr Fielding, from Accrington, is a scout leader for the 2nd Rishton Baptist Scout Group.
The scout group has been active since 1947, and Mr Fielding runs the group with his daughter-in-law Julie.
He said: "It’s something dreams are made of. I’m pleased, obviously.
"The Scout Association is aimed at keeping youngsters active, healthy, doing skills for life, teamwork, problem-solving. Basically doing hands-on approach to life. It’s bringing children to understand things as well.
"I started when I was eight-years-old. I was in Cubs, I moved up to Scouts, then Adventure Scouts, then I became a Cub instructor, then a Cub leader, and the rest is history really.
"It was totally unexpected but I’m very happy."
John Norris
The chair of Blackburn firm B&M Longworth (Edgworth) Ltd, who is from Burnley, is honoured with an MBE for his services to innovation, sustainability and international trade.
He has worked for the firm for almost 35 years, becoming managing director in May 1989 and chair in 2015, having previously worked at JMN Engineering.
His firm, founded in 1976, specialises in cleaning components in the polymer industry and is a market leader, covering the UK and Europe while also having clients in the USA and the Far East.
Mr Norris said he believes his firm's success "is down to our ability to be flexible and provide bespoke, tailored cleaning solutions to meet our client's requirements".
He added: “I only wish I could share it with my team, they deserve this as much as I do.
“I’m lucky to be surrounded by an equally passionate, hardworking team who share the belief that we all can, and must do better to achieve true sustainability, and must stop waiting for someone else to take action first."
His team at B&M Longworth Ltd said: “We are unbelievably proud that John’s passion, ambition and contribution have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours with an MBE.
“John’s work ethic, boundless energy and belief that ‘anything is possible, we just need to find a way’; leaves a technical legacy to inspire and drive future generations of engineers, innovators and those chasing a sustainable future for all industry.
"We call this the 5th industrial revolution and thanks to John’s passion and enthusiasm and creativity as a role model, it’s a step closer to becoming a reality.
“On behalf of everyone at Longworth, we congratulate John on receiving his MBE."
Ian Dawson
A former Assistant Chief Constable at Lancashire Constabulary, Mr Dawson has received the King's Police Medal for his service in the police force.
During his time in the role, he led projects to tackle violence against women and girls and was involved in other forcewide operations to tackle serious crime.
He has more than 30 years' experience in policing, working in covert policing and being involved in a number of high profile investigations which earned him commendations.
He graduated through the ranks to become a Detective Chief Inspector in Serious Crime, and in 2017 even found time to earn a Masters in Criminology and Police Leadership from the University of Cambridge, and has been a key player in the advancement of digital technologies in policing.
Elsewhere, Game of Thrones actor Emilia Clarke and her mother Jenny have received MBEs for setting up a charity focused on brain bleeds, after Emilia, 37, suffered one and thought she may die.
The brain injury charity, SameYou, after Emilia suffered two brain haemorrhages in 2011 and 2013, and discovered how under-resourced rehab services are.
After being founded in 2019, the charity began working with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust in 2021 thanks to lottery funding.
Emilia said: "One of the bigger things that resulted in us having a charity that deals with rehabilitation is because while everyone is good at dealing with the problem, (there is less attention on) the repercussions of living with something that has gone wrong and you’re so fragile and so sensitive and so scared."
Jenny Clarke said: "The clinicians are fantastic, the therapists are wonderful, but there just aren’t enough of them and there aren’t enough resources.
“If you’re lucky in the UK you get a few weeks rehab and then it just it’s like falling off a cliff.”
On the MBE, she added: "It’s such an incredible honour, such an incredible privilege, and the most important thing for us is that it’s for everybody with brain injury."
James McLean Joint Regional Chief Nurse for NHS England in the North West and former Deputy Chief Nurse, for Programme Delivery at Health Education England has been recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to Nursing.
One of the North West's top nurses, he has been in the profession for 34 years and said: "I am immensely proud to have been recognised in this way and deeply humbled as I have worked with some truly amazing people throughout my career.”
Lancashire rugby union great Sir Bill Beaumont has received the Knight Grand Cross for his services to the game and charity, while rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield get CBEs for services to motor neurone awareness.
Lionesses Millie Bright (OBE), Mary Earps (MBE) and Lauren Hemp (MBE) are honoured for their achievements, while elsewhere in the football world Peter Shilton gets a CBE, Howard Wilkinson gets an OBE, and TV legend Jeff Stelling gets an MBE.
Our town's namesake Tony Blackburn gets an OBE, while Dame Shirley Bassey joins the Members of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
There are knight and damehoods for author Jilly Cooper, Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis, Wetherspoons boss Tim Martin and Tory MP Sajid Javid.
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