Several Brentwood residents have been honoured in the Kings’ New Year’s Honours List, released this week.
Husband and wife, Jason and Gail O’Shea, Wipe Away Those Tears co-founders, were each awarded the MBE for charitable services to Terminally and Seriously Ill Children in Essex.
The charity has helped over a thousand children with life-limiting or life-threatening illnesses, raising over £2 million in the 18 years since the Brentwood-based charity was founded.
Michael Keogh, 73, from Shenfield, Director of the Springfield Youth Club, was awarded the BEM for services to young people.
Louise Barrett-Lees, 52, from Brentwood, founder of the Rehabilitation, Education Assessment Centre for Hippotherapy (REACH), received the same honour for services to disabled people for her work involving equine therapy.
Paul Hannaford, who lives in Brentwood, received the BEM for services to the community for his work as an anti-drugs campaigner in East London, including Havering, and elsewhere.
Councillor Barry Aspinell, the Leader of the Council, said: “On behalf of Brentwood Borough Council, I congratulate all those who have been honoured in the New Year’s Honours List. I am delighted to see so many people from our Borough recognised for their inspirational support to our community and others. I hope their Honours also raise awareness of their charities, which means they will be able to help even more people.”
Councillor Aspinell added: “Our Civic Awards are also open for nominations, which are another chance to shine a light on those remarkable individuals and organisations who quietly dedicate their time and energy to make Brentwood a better place. Their selflessness and commitment deserve to be celebrated, and I encourage everyone to nominate someone they know who has gone the extra mile for our community.”
To nominate someone for a Brentwood Civic Award, visit www.brentwood.gov.uk
The closing date for nominations is Friday 7 February 2025.