These are ordinary people who have made extraordinary contributions to their communities or their field of work - and now they have been honoured for their dedication.
A number of North East people have been given awards in the 2023 New Year Honours list and they have been praised for a variety of achievements. Everyone on the list has gone above and beyond to serve their communities.
And here we bring you the stories of just some of the North East recipients who have been honoured this year. They include people who have provided a helping hand to those who have been struggling, those who have been supporting children with disabilities and others who have been carrying out voluntary work for years.
Damehood
Mayor of North Tyneside, Dame Norma Redfearn
The former headteacher first took on the role of mayor after defeating Conservative Linda Arkley in the 2013 election. She is understood to have been surprised by the announcement of her damehood, and has yet to speak about it publicly.
Dame Norma used to be a councillor for the Riverside ward before taking up the top job. The new Dame is one of the region's most senior Labour Party figures. Wallsend-born, she became mayor in 2013 taking over from Conservative Linda Arkley. Before taking up the top job, she was a councillor in the Riverside ward.
Prior to her life in politics, she had a thirty-year career in teaching and was headteacher at West Walker Primary. She was then elected as a councillor in 2004, and went on to serve as the cabinet member with responsibility for children and young people while the council was under the leadership of her Labour colleague John Harrison from 2005 to 2009.
CBE
Prof Chris Day
Professor Chris Day, vice chancellor and president of Newcastle University, will be honoured with a CBE for services to health research and treatment.
The award recognises his research on liver diseases caused by excessive alcohol consumption, obesity and diabetes and the rare side-effects of commonly prescribed drugs. His work over more than 30 years has highlighted the importance of liver disease in patients with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes focussing on genetic susceptibility to these diseases, their progression over time and treatment.
As a result of this work, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is now considered to be the most common liver disease in the developed world and one of the top three causes of advanced liver cirrhosis requiring liver transplantation.
A former consultant hepatologist on the liver unit at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust until 2016, Prof Day is a fellow and former clinical vice-president of the Academy of Medical Sciences and has appeared on the list of the world’s most highly cited scientists (top 1%) for the last three years.
Prior to becoming vice-chancellor, he served as pro-vice chancellor of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (2008 – 2016) at Newcastle University and has held a number of national medical research leadership roles.
Prof Day said: "I am honoured and delighted to receive this award which is a tribute to the wonderful colleagues I have worked with over the past 35 years both at the university and the Newcastle Hospitals, including physicians, surgeons, scientists, nurses and technicians and, last but not least, the patients we have cared for who have taken part in our research studies.
"These colleagues have ensured that liver and gastroenterology research at Newcastle continues to go from strength to strength, recently being ranked in the top 10 in the world."
OBE
Kim Reynolds
Emerita Professor Kim Reynolds has been made an OBE in the New Year’s Honours list for her work as an author and professor of children's literature at the University of Newcastle and for services to literature.
Prof Reynolds, who was professor of children’s literature until she retired in January 2022, is a world-renowned expert in her field. She was president of the International Research Society for Children's Literature from 2003 to 2007 and in 2013 received the International Brothers Grimm Award for contributions to the subject.
Two of her books have received the prestigious Children's Literature Association Book Award, and she was the first Honorary Senior Fellow of the Australian Research Council Centre for Excellence in the History of Emotions.
She was a trustee of Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Literature, from 2004 to 2016 and served on both the V&A Trustees' committee with responsibility for the Museum of Childhood and the board of the charity Booktrust for 10 years. She was a founder member of the UK's Children's Laureate on whose steering committee she sat until recently.
Prof Reynolds said: "This award isn't just for me, but for all the outstanding work that has gone on in Children's Literature Studies at Newcastle University, which has garnered us top marks in the Research Excellence Framework in successive years. Much of this has been facilitated by our on-going partnership with Seven Stories."
Andy Welch
Andy Welch, medical director at the Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, has been made an OBE for his services to healthcare and patients. Mr Welch, who also serves as deputy chief executive, has been senior medic at the RVI and the Freeman for the last decade - and is responsible for every aspect of care, quality and safety.
He has had a 45-year medical career and specialised in ear, nose and throat surgery - especially treating adults and children with cancer. He is currently also chair of the Northern Cancer Alliance, which is the clinical network for cancer services in the North East and North Cumbria.
During the pandemic he also had a key role in managing the hospital trust's clinical response - which saw it treat the first Covid-19 patients in the UK and then hundreds across the following weeks and months.
Mr Welch said: "“I am incredibly honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty. This award is a tribute to the many thousands of staff that I’ve worked with over the last 45 years who focus on our patients before themselves every single day. I truly believe that Newcastle Hospitals is one of the best in the world and it’s a huge privilege to a part of this team."
And Dame Jackie Daniel, the hospital trust's chief executive, added: "Andy is a respected leader in Newcastle and among his colleagues nationally and regionally, always ensuring that patients’ needs are put first and foremost. The whole team will be proud to see him honoured in this way. He is a valued colleague and an asset to the NHS."
MBE
Susan Ghulam
Susan Ghulam has worked as a residential social worker since 1999 in Northumberland and has dedicated 23 years to children's social care. The 56-year-old, of Killingworth, manager of Barndale Short Break residential respite care, is receiving an MBE for services to children with special educational needs and disabilities.
During her time at Barndale in Northumberland, she has ensured that vulnerable children and their families have a sanctuary to support them through difficult situations. She provided clear leadership throughout the Covid pandemic, keeping the service open during all lockdowns, making sure there was round the clock care.
She worked off duty to allow her staff to contact her at any time and supported other services within Northumberland, sharing her good practice and ensuring as many children received the correct care. Believing that no child should be left behind, she has also allowed her service to be used by social care, for children who face challenges being placed in foster care.
Her influence and approach have spread not only locally in Barndale, but also to mainstream schools who manage autism across Northumberland and Newcastle. She has been asked by a headteacher of two mainstream primary schools for her expertise on meeting the needs of pupils with autism.
On receiving the MBE, the grandmother-of-two said: "I'm so surprised and delighted at the same time. I'm just an ordinary person. I never thought someone like me would get an award like this. I'm passionate about my job and the children I work with. It's a pleasure to do what I do.
"The best part is seeing the children make achievements. They might do something that appears small but it will be a big achievement for them - like being able to use cutlery or make friends.
"I once heard a child talk for the first time - you can't put a price on it. When I told their mum, we were both in tears on the phone. I absolutely love seeing the children achieve and seeing the smiles on their faces."
Syed Samad Ali
Language teacher Syed Samad Ali has earned an MBE for services to education.
The 50-year-old, a dad-of-three, used to teach at Thornhill Academy in Sunderland and helped to inspire Bengali young people to make the most of the opportunities available to them, and tutored children in the community when they were struggling. He has also devoted his time to work as a translator at parents evenings, stressing the importance of education to Bengali parents.
He has written his own Bengali textbooks to enhance lessons and his success in teaching GCSE Bengali brought praise from Durham University, which invited him and his pupils to participate in the 2022 North East Festival of Languages. He has also created additional community language classes at the weekend at a local centre and collaborated with the local Mosque.
He worked extensively with the Central Mosque to support parents unfamiliar with the British education system and first generation migrants. He now works as a language teacher at Southmoor Academy in Sunderland.
Mr Ali, who was born and brought up in Bangladesh, moved to the North East in 2001. He says he is passionate about education and encouraging students to find employment, including those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Speaking about the award, he said: "It feels fantastic. I could not believe it when I was told. What I do is encourage children to get into education and share their success stories. I'm passionate about education."
Sally Ingram
Sally Ingram, director of student health and wellbeing service at Newcastle University, is receiving an MBE for services to student mental health and wellbeing.
She joined the university in 2016 and is an award-winning manager with more than 20 years’ experience, leading wellbeing services in higher education, statutory and charitable sectors. She is co-chair of Newcastle University's alcohol and drugs working group, where she’s helped to establish the institution’s Student Drug Policy: Reducing Harm. This is a cross-agency working group to educate, safeguard and support students on alcohol and substance use - a project she’s passionate about, wanting to protect as many young people as possible.
Sally is an expert in areas of young adult self-harm, depression, eating disorders, OCD and academic anxiety. However, her experience is not just focused on the university community. She was deputy chair of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy’s division for child and adolescent counselling, where she formed part of the executive body which helped to set national standards for Young People’s Counselling.
Sally was part of the Department of Health and the Royal College of Psychiatry Team, which created Mind Ed, a virtual learning platform for those working in young people’s wellbeing services. She was also editor for the Counselling Children and Young People Journal and Head of Service Quality Clinical Practice at national charity, Relate. In addition, she has contributed to projects with the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, which supports the mental health of young people.
Sally, 50, said: "I am both surprised and delighted in equal measure to be awarded this MBE. The confidential nature of student support work means the depth that colleagues go to in order to support the health and wellbeing of the student community often goes unseen and, therefore, sometimes unacknowledged.
"This award reflects the quiet dedication and commitment of university colleagues across the UK shown every day, while doing all they can to support the health and wellbeing of our students. Ultimately the aim of any wellbeing service is to make ourselves redundant - wouldn't it be lovely to be in a place where students did not need us.
"Sadly, we are a long way off from that, but I hope that this award will continue to shine a light on the struggles students face and the sterling work all university staff undertake to help students reach their full potential while at university."
Scott Dickinson
Northumberland Labour leader Scott Dickinson is being awarded an MBE for services to the community.
Scott is managing director at Hadston House in Morpeth, which runs youth and community projects for people of all ages. Scott, now 38, used the service himself when he was a teenager and took part in various activities offered there. He later became involved in the running of the centre and says all his work is "about leading by example" and "showing that you genuinely care about the community".
He leads a number of community-based organisations which particularly support the most vulnerable in society, alongside working for the NHS. During the Covid pandemic, he refocused an organisation which he formed in 2009, stepping up to seven days a week offering hot food to isolated or isolating people.
He coordinated a team of staff and volunteers delivering over 1,000 hot meals a week and delivering essential shopping to households. He also organised a friendship line for those at most risk and set up prescription deliveries to vulnerable people needing medications. During school holidays, he acted early making packed lunches and hampers for families struggling with financial hardship and during Halloween he rallied volunteers to go around villages handing out sweets.
He first became elected as a council member at the age of 21. He held the position of business chairman at Northumberland County Council for four years, modernising and encouraging change, at the same time working with his parish council improving play and events in the community.
When Scott was told about the MBE, he thought it was a joke. "I thought someone was messing around," he said. "I thought it was a prank of some kind. I didn't think someone like me would be mentioned for an award like this.
"You just do what you do and don't expect anything like this to happen. I've always felt that if you get involved and you are passionate, you can really change things. You can always work to make the world a better place. Getting this award will benefit Hadston House and throw a spotlight on its work."
BEM
Jean Devlin
Jean Devlin, group scout leader of the 5th Jarrow Scout Group in South Tyneside, is getting a BEM for services to scouting and young people in South Tyneside and Sunderland.
The 62-year-old grandmother, from Jarrow, has worked within the scouting community since 1993, firstly as an assistant, before taking up the role of badge organiser within a few years. She undertook training in order to become a section leader, completed this whilst holding down a part-time job, and attending Sunderland University two evenings a week.
Due to an increasing number of disabled members entering the scouts, she led a project looking at ways for them to integrate and developed a new joining form asking parents to give information of allergies, dyslexia and general health concerns. She encouraged the pack to take in girls before the Scouts were actively encouraging this community and also found a place for severely disabled boys who attended with helpers for three years.
In 2015, a colleague and scout leader died, leaving the cub pack with no other qualified leader. She found parents willing to help, and used her knowledge to organise training and guided them through the first year. She took over the role of treasurer and was later asked by the district commissioner to take on the role of group scout leader, becoming the first leader in South Tyneside to gain the Wood Beads under the new Scout Programme.
Jean, who works full-time as a team manager at a call centre, said of the award: "I was very surprised. I was in a meeting and an email popped up. When I saw it, I was totally shocked but very pleased. It's very nice."
When asked about the best part of her work, she said: "I just enjoy seeing the children as they play games and learn. We try to make it different for them and do different games. It's a pleasure to see the children enjoying themselves and I like seeing the pleasure on their faces when they earn their badges."
Vicky Wales
Army veteran Vicky Wales is being honoured with a BEM for services to young people.
The 45-year-old, of Gateshead, served 15 years in the Army before she was medically discharged after her back was broken in a fall from a moving vehicle. She now works for veteran charity Walking With The Wounded as the regional operations manager and says "I can now combine my business acumen with my passion and that’s helping veterans transition from military to civilian life."
Vicky, who taught fitness to both Prince Harry and William at Sandhurst, has represented the country three times, including in the Wounded Warrior Games and the Invictus Games. She is an ambassador for the Invictus Games, The Royal British Legion and for Sunderland Football Club where they have recently created a partnership called ‘Step into Sunderland’ helping veterans back into volunteering opportunities and employment.
As part of the UK Invictus team, she uses this platform to inspire young people onto the Duke of Edinburgh programme as well as inspiring children with disabilities and challenges to overcome adversity.
Regarding the BEM, Vicky said: "I am humbled to be receiving this award and it’s a brilliant beginning for 2023."
Hilary Cooper
Girlguiding leader Hilary Cooper is getting a BEM for services to young people and education.
Hilary, 66, of Whitley Bay, has run a Ranger Guide unit for over 40 years, organising camps, holidays and weekend events, all in her free time. In her early twenties she was awarded the prestigious Churchill Fellowship and she used the fund to look at Guiding outdoor activities in Australia and New Zealand. Many of her ideas became set into the outdoor programme in the UK.
She led international Guiding trips encouraging leaders to develop the confidence and skills to take on their own trips. In 2010, to celebrate the Guiding Centenary, an international camp was held in the UK, run by a team headed by her where over 5,000 girls from around the globe spent a week together.
She helped manage Guiding in North Tyneside County, including the purchase and development of a new outdoor centre in Northumberland, now used by a variety of youth groups and schools for indoor holidays, camping and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Hilary held the role of Chief Commissioner for North East England and was part of the national team who restructured Guiding.
During the pandemic, she helped to devise zoom based learning, delivering many hours of training each week to volunteer leaders. She joined the volunteer team in 2012 for the London Olympics, using her weekends and holidays to attend training.
Hilary said: "I am amazed to get this award. When you volunteer your time it isn't for any reward or award but it is a lovely thank you. I have enjoyed everything I have done and working with young people is special because you know you are having an impact.
"Being part of girl guiding is extra special but I think over the years I have gained far more than I have given. When people ask why I do it, I have to say I joined as a girl and have had so much fun and opportunity I forgot to leave."
Joanne Barber
A BEM for services to the community is being handed to Joanne Barber, who has devoted years to helping children with disabilities to swim.
Joanne, 57, of Ferryhill, County Durham, is the head coach at North East Disability Swimming Club, which she set up in 2010. The group meets once a month, and offers learn to swim sessions and competitive training for disabled and non-disabled young people at Freemans Quay Leisure Centre, Durham.
The club has youngsters with disabilities ranging from autism and visual impairment to cerebral palsy and learning disabilities. "We are fully inclusive and we don't turn anyone away," said Joanne. "It's a lovely club and everyone is friendly."
She says she loves to see the children achieving and that's the best part of her work. She added: "I just so love what I do. When I was told about the award, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a scam, I was so shocked. I had to read it a few times. It felt so emotional."
Heather McKenna
Childminder Heather McKenna is receiving a BEM for services to early years and the community.
The 50-year-old, of North Tyneside, runs a childminder business from home, providing children in her care a warm and loving home, while teaching them through fun education. Alongside running her business, she voluntarily runs a community centre which is open to everyone, and is currently working on creating different rooms at the centre to encourage more people to attend. These include a play room, games room, baby room and a man cave so isolated men in the community have a safe space to go.
Alongside the rooms, she has led on a project bringing the community together to build an allotment area and encouraged people to share skills and build relationships. She has also opened a community shop where she takes in donations from people and passes these on to those in need.
In addition, Heather organises fundraising events including a summer fair, which not only raises money for the centre but also supports and promotes small, independent businesses and brings the community together. She works closely with housebound people, delivering food and other necessities and providing company to those who would otherwise have no one to talk to.
Heather said: "I have been childminding for 12 years and looked after a number of different children throughout that time. I have been a small part of all those different families lives and was able to be there for my own children growing up too.
"Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic my working day changed to who I was able to look after so I started looking at ways in which I could help others and the Justice Prince Group in Longbenton looked at supporting the vulnerable people in the community. I began volunteering for them delivering food parcels and hot meals during those very uncertain times. I felt it was a worthy cause that the Justice Prince were aiming to achieve and it couldn’t have been done without the support of all the wonderful team and volunteers involved."
Paula Reid
Paula Reid, a civil servant who heads up the business management team at the Department of Work and Pensions and lives in Newcastle, has also been awarded the BEM. She has been given this for her voluntary and charitable services, particularly during Covid-19.
As part of this, she worked volunteering in her community and as a vaccinator in her spare time. She said: "I was thrilled to find out I had been nominated, it was a lovely surprise. I’m very much appreciative that someone who recognised what I had done, took the time to complete the forms and nominate me.
"I was part of the team who set up the St John Ambulance response to the Covid-19 pandemic as a volunteer vaccinator in Newcastle Centre for Life. I spent my Christmas completing full NHS and St Johns ambulance online and face-to-face training, so I could be competent at administering vaccines and delivering first aid."
Paula said that during lockdown she "preferred to be part of the solution" by supporting the vaccine roll-out, and said having missed celebrating her dad's 80th birthday due to the lockdowns, "anything I could do to expedite getting us through, by doing my small contribution, felt worth it."
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