3 days Ago
A NUMBER of inspirational people living and working in the Bradford area have been recognised in the King's New Year Honours list. They include a charity fundraiser, successful businesspeople, a mental health nurse, and community figures. Ilkley-born broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh has also been recognised and said he was "flattered beyond belief".
Kate Dale, who works at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to people with severe mental illness. Based in Keighley, Kate is dedicated to extending the life expectancy of people with severe mental health conditions, who are at risk of dying up to 25 years earlier than the general population. This is due to physical health issues that often go untreated.
After 45 years of continuous service to the NHS, Kate has influenced policy makers. Mental health nurse Kate Dale, who works at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, pictured outside the Houses of Parliament in London (Image: Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust) She created a tool that systematically guides GPs and practice-based staff through comprehensive, annual physical health checks for this group of people. It has already been rolled out in Bradford and Airedale and, now, further afield.
“There is no health without mental health and physical health,” said Kate. “This recognition is not just for me, but for the entire team at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, whose hard work, determination, and passion have made this possible.” Alan Titchmarsh during a tour of his childhood home Broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh, 75, an MBE for over two decades, has been made Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to horticulture and to charity.
He described feeling “thrilled to bits, surprised, but thrilled and honoured that I should be thought worth a CBE, flattered beyond belief.” Manningham-born philanthropist Nazim Ali has been awarded a BEM for his services to charity and homeless and vulnerable people in Bradford. Growing up in poverty and suffering from tuberculosis at the age of five propelled Nazim into a life dedicated to helping others.
Nazim Ali (Image: Newsquest) The founder of Creating Smiles Hospital Gifts Initiative has been doing charity work non-stop since the age of 16. “When I was a child and had all the tubes inside me, a nurse gave me a gift. As a child, toys are like gold.
You forget about your predicament and you just want to play," he said. Speaking about being honoured by the King, Nazim said: “I’m profoundly humbled. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to get to where I am today.
“Hopefully it inspires others to say, ‘Nazim can do it’. "What’s so special about me that you can’t do it?” King Charles III also honoured a number of people who work for or with West Yorkshire Police. Imran Hussain Shah, chair of the police independent advisory group with West Yorkshire Police, has been made an MBE for services to policing and the community in West Yorkshire.
The King’s Police Medal (KPM) has been awarded to Mohammed Osman Khan, assistant chief constable at West Yorkshire Police. Mohammed Osman Khan, assistant chief constable at West Yorkshire Police (Image: Police) ACC Khan grew up in Bradford and has served in West Yorkshire for the entirety of his 24 years’ service. ACC Khan is recognised for his extensive experience across counter terrorism, firearms, public order, serious crime, local policing and professional standards.
Nicola Louise Bryar, a retired member of West Yorkshire Police who most recently worked as Detective Chief Superintendent, has also been handed a KPM. Nicola Louise Bryar, a retired member of West Yorkshire Police who most recently worked as Detective Chief Superintendent, pictured left (Image: Police) Having joined the force in 1994, Nicola worked in a number of different roles across the district and West Yorkshire. Her career saw her work as a detective sergeant and join the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, as well as the Child and Public Protection Unit for a historic child abuse investigation.
Justin Matthew Twigg, who worked most recently as Detective Inspector at West Yorkshire Police, has also received the KPM for his services to covert policing. Over 30 years, the now-retired DS Twigg worked tirelessly to dismantle organised crime groups regionally, nationally and internationally. Justin Matthew Twigg, pictured (Image: Police) The investigations he led recovered countless firearms, vast quantities of controlled drugs and safeguarded numerous vulnerable victims.
Mohammed Younis Chaudhry, who launched Bradford-based food and drink manufacturer Regal Foods in 2001 and led it to success, has been made an MBE. The businessman turned a small family bakery business into one of the world’s biggest exporters and a multi-million-pound company. Younis Chaudry of Regal Foods group wins The Business Entrepreneur of The Year award in 2019 Usman Ali, who works for HM Prison and Probation Service, has been made an MBE for his public service.
He works as a Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements Administrator and Disability Champion at Bradford Probation Service. Victoria Jane Robertshaw has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the retail sector. She started working at her father’s shop as a young girl and, later in life, would transform the business - Keelham Farm Shop - alongside her brother.
Victoria Robertshaw (Image: Newsquest) She is now a director at Green Street which focuses on sustainability - including a scheme to reduce single-use waste in Bradford. Elaine Louise James, head of service, learning disabilities and preparation for Adulthood at Bradford Council, has been made an MBE for services to Social Care. Sarah Thomas in Ilkley Manor House (Image: UGC) Sarah Ann Thomas, chair of Ilkley Arts and chair of the Ilkley Manor House Trust, has been awarded the BEM for her significant contribution to voluntary and charitable services in Ilkley.
Fiona Louise Thompson, chair of Keighley Big Local and founder of Cafe Eden, has been made a BEM for services to the community in Keighley. Fiona has been dedicated to making Keighley a place where everyone can thrive - from coffee mornings for carers of autistic children or new playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts at a park. Cleckheaton's Susan Barbara Rumbold has been made an MBE for services to children and families.
She works as a foster carer and chief officer of partnership development and business support at Leeds City Council. Cyclist Tom Pidcock, who was born in Leeds but has strong links with Bradford and Otley, has been made an OBE by the King..
