Hemel Hempstead, Berkhamsted and Tring residents recognised in New Year Honours List

A whole host of medical and charity workers in Dacorum have received gongs in the New Year Year Honours List.

Published today (December 31) the list demonstrates the incredible efforts of hundreds of public sector and community workers throughout 2020 and beyond.

In a year that has truly tested the resolve and determination of those on the frontline, the New Year Honours List includes 1,239 recipients, recognised for their extraordinary contributions in all four nations of the United Kingdom.

Public sector workers make up 14.8 per cent of the list and include firefighters, medical professionals, teachers, police officers and local government workers - all of whom are being recognised for making a huge individual impact, and in particular in the response to Covid-19.

Here are our local heroes:

> From Hemel Hempstead - Jennifer Dawn Garrett, executive Coach and Leadership Development Specialist, Reflexion Associates Ltd, was recognised as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for services to entrepreneurship and to women in business.

> From Berkhamsted - Moira Sarah Sinclair, chief executive officer, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, was recognised as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to charity and the arts.

> From Tring - Keith Delderfield, director of operations, The Douglas Bader Foundation and deputy director, The Guttmann Sports Centre, Stoke Mandeville. He was a medallist of the Order of the British Empire for services to People with Disabilities.

> From Abbotts Langley - Dr Paul Robert Grant, Molecular Virology Scientific and Research and Development Lead, Health Services Laboratories, was recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to Healthcare Science during the Covid-19 Response.

> From Tring - Lisa Elizabeth Knight, Chief Nurse, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, was recognised as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to nursing during Covid-19.

Lisa Knight, who works for London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust which includes Northwick Park Hospital, one of the worst hit Covid hospitals during the first wave, said: “I’m deeply grateful to have been nominated for this honour. It’s a lovely surprise, and one that I want to share with my nurses who continue to be so fantastic during the pandemic.

"Having trained at London North West myself early in my career, it’s meant a lot for me to be working with the Trust during this challenging time.

“It’s been an extraordinarily tough year and I couldn’t ask for more from my colleagues who carry on working in often difficult circumstances.

"There is a great sense of unity here and I’m proud to be part of this team. Nurses are the backbone of the NHS and this award is recognition of all the hard work and sacrifice they have made in the past year.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.

“As we begin a new year and continue to come together to fight this virus, may their service and stories be an inspiration to us all.”