New Year Honours list 2025: The UK community heroes, charity champions and campaigners

Gloucester: The King’s New Year’s Honours List was revealed on December 30, showcasing a mix of celebrities and unsung heroes. Each year, this list is created based on recommendations from the prime minister, government ministers, and the public.

This year, over 1,200 individuals in the UK received recognition for their outstanding contributions to their communities and the nation. Notable names include actor Stephen Fry, former England manager Gareth Southgate, and London mayor Sadiq Khan, who were all knighted.

But it’s not just the famous faces that stand out. Many community heroes, charity champions, and campaigners were honored for their efforts in raising awareness about important issues. For instance, Nick Gazzard, who lost his daughter to domestic violence, received an OBE for his work with the Hollie Gazzard Trust, which supports victims of abuse.

Then there’s David Mearns, a shipwreck hunter, who hopes to recover the anchor from the ship that brought the first Windrush generation to the UK. He’s been recognized for his efforts in locating historic shipwrecks.

Carole Gould and Julie Devey, whose daughters were murdered by their ex-partners, were also honored for their campaign against male violence. They co-founded Killed Women, a group supporting families affected by such tragedies.

Sir Andy Cooke, who has dedicated nearly four decades to policing, received a knighthood for his services to public safety. He’s been instrumental in tackling serious organized crime and improving police services.

Wendy Tarplee-Morris, who founded the Little Princess Trust after losing her daughter to cancer, was recognized for providing wigs to children undergoing treatment. She expressed her honor while remembering the personal trauma of her loss.

Joeli Brearley, a campaigner for parental rights, was surprised but delighted to receive an MBE for her work supporting working families. She highlighted the ongoing struggles many families face today.

Bill Wright, who campaigned for justice for victims of the infected blood scandal, was also honored. He emphasized that the fight for recognition and compensation is far from over.

Young charity star Mikayla Beames, who founded Team Mikayla after her own cancer diagnosis, urged her peers to get involved in charitable work. She’s raised significant funds to grant wishes for children battling cancer.

Nathaniel Dye, a music teacher diagnosed with terminal cancer, hopes his MBE will help amplify his advocacy for cancer awareness and NHS improvements. He’s been actively raising funds and sharing his story to inspire others.

Lastly, the King recognized his medical team for their dedicated service during his cancer treatment, highlighting the personal nature of these honors.

Leading subpostmaster campaigners were also acknowledged for their relentless fight for justice for victims of the Post Office scandal. Their recognition is a step towards addressing the injustices faced by many.