Posted on Saturday 17th June 2023
Claire Bond BEM
A hero police officer, a charity chief and a community champion are among the Staffordshire residents recognised in the Birthday Honours List 2023.
PC Claire Bond received a BEM. Claire bravely tackled a driver who crashed and attempted to flee the scene. During the struggle she was run over and dragged along the road and needed surgery to save her leg.
Other honours have been awarded to people involved in the fields of health, business and community work.
Mike Cherry from Burton upon Trent receives a CBE for his work with the Federation of Small Businesses in helping promote business and international trade.
Suzie Hutchinson, Chief Executive of Little Hearts Matter gains an MBE and Kim Smith is awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community, particularly during the pandemic.
Alan White, Leader of Staffordshire County Council, said:
These awards capture the best of Staffordshire, honouring people from all walks of life for the difference they have made to business, health and communities.
To be recognised in the Birthday Honours List 2023 is a testament to this and I would like to pass on my congratulations to them all.”
Ian Dudson CBE KStJ, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, said:
We congratulate all those from Staffordshire who have been recognised in this way and share their pride at this special moment of being honoured by His Majesty The King.”
Residents of Staffordshire who have received an honour include:
• CBE for Mike Cherry, Burton upon Trent. Lately Chair, Federation of Small Businesses for services to business and international trade
• OBE for Linda Cobb, Burton upon Trent. Principle Manager, Decent and Safe Homes, Derby City Council for services to housing
• MBE for Suzie Hutchinson, Stafford. Chief Executive of Little Hearts Matter, for services to Children, Adults and their Families with congenital heart defects
• MBE for Lorna Millington, Cannock. Future Networks Manager, Cadent Gas for services to business and the environment
• MBE for Terry Tricker, Lichfield, for services to communities in Staffordshire
• BEM for Claire Bond for services to women policing and communities in Staffordshire
• BEM for Dr Naomi Forrester-Soto, Newcastle. Reader in Vector Biology, Keele University for services to public communication during Covid-19
• BEM for Kim Smith, Burton Upon Trent, for services to the community
• BEM for George Wright, Stafford. President Stafford Branch Royal British Legion for services to voluntary services to Veterans in Staffordshire