Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed news that three inspirational local figures have featured in HM The King's New Year Honours List 2023.
The list recognises and rewards the efforts of members of communities across the UK each year.
James is delighted that this year’s list includes the founder of Rhyl community charity Belief, Meliden-based Steve Evans, who has been appointed an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for "voluntary and charitable services in North Wales"; Sharon Manning, appointed an MBE for “services to cancer patient care”, and Denbighshire County Councillor Ann Davies of Rhuddlan, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for “services to local government, the NHS, and the community in Rhuddlan”.
Steve said:
“It was a huge shock to hear I was to be named in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours list. Never did I once think anything like this would ever happen to me.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all Belief members and supporters, with special thanks going to Yvette Green and Emily Birchall who have, and continue to, work tirelessly, ensuring we go from strength to strength.
“On forming Belief back in 2012, we had one aim and that was simply to try and help make a difference. We don’t have any set criteria or red tape, we simply try and help those in need. Being honoured in this way really is amazing.”
Sharon said:
“In the King's New Year Honours List I was awarded an MBE for services to cancer patient care. I feel very privileged, proud and incredibly humbled to have received this.
“This award is to be dedicated to all the beautiful ladies I cared for and the families I supported.
“I hope this award gives the younger generation of nurses a direction and drive to succeed in coming years of their chosen careers.”
Ann said:
“I was absolutely thrilled and delighted to be included in the King’s New Year Honours List. I was overwhelmed to read the kind letters my daughter Jane received supporting the application for this award, including many from Rhuddlan residents and a heartfelt letter from my granddaughter Marni, who has consistently supported me in my work.
“It has been a privilege to serve the residents of Rhuddlan and Denbighshire. I have been fortunate enough to meet so many wonderful people in my role as County Councillor and particularly in the year I was Chairman of Denbighshire County Council.
“Being recognised for my work in Local Government, Education services and the NHS is a real honour - they are all areas close to my heart.”
Commenting, Dr James Davies MP said:
“I am thrilled that Steve, Sharon and Ann have all been recognised for all they do, and have done, for people in the Vale of Clwyd, and beyond. I congratulate them on this recognition at the highest level."
He added:
“Steve’s service in North Wales has extended to establishing fundraising charity ‘Belief’ to help local people across North Wales.
“Despite personal challenges, Steve has played an integral part in supporting the local community, whom often in a time of crisis feel hopeless and that they have nowhere to turn. His MBE is very well deserved.”
“Sharon’s service, which has spanned a number of decades, has improved the life and care of cancer patients in North Wales and across the UK.
“She discovered new improved methods of caring for cancer patients and has continued to dedicate her life to improving the care of cancer patients and sharing her knowledge.
“I am delighted that her hard work and commitment has been recognised at the highest level.”
Welcoming the BEM award for Cllr Ann Davies, James said:
“Ann has lived in Rhuddlan for 56 years and has served as a County Councillor since 2008 and as a Town Councillor since 2006. She was appointed Mayor of Rhuddlan in 2014 and Chair of Denbighshire County Council in 2016, and during her tenure as Chair of DCC she raised £11,000 for Ty Gobaith and St Kentigern Hospices. She also raised £5,000 for Ty Gobaith when she was Mayor of Rhuddlan in 2014.
“She worked for the NHS as a trained nurse and subsequently for the education authority for 25 years, which has given her a real understanding of the health and welfare issues facing the local community.
“In her role as Carers Champion from 2008 to 2022 she has helped many local people gain financial, physical and emotional support and raised awareness of the needs of carers.
“The list of everything Ann has done for the local community is too long to list in its entirety. I am so pleased that her years of dedicated service have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.
“Ann, Steve and Sharon deserve to be immensely proud of their achievement and I hope they all enjoy celebrating their success with their friends and family.”
ENDS
Picture Caption 1: Dr James Davies MP with Cllr Ann Davies who has been awarded a BEM for “services to local government, the NHS, and the community in Rhuddlan”.
Picture Caption 2: Dr James Davies MP with Steve Evans, appointed an MBE for "voluntary and charitable services in North Wales".
Picture Caption 3: Dr James Davies MP with Sharon Manning of Dyserth, appointed an MBE for “services to cancer patient care”.
