A liver surgeon, landlord and charity fundraiser are among the men and women recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.

OBE

The OBE, or Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, is awarded by the monarch on behalf of the government to recognise those who have made major contributions at a local level, or whose work has gained a national profile.

This year, there were two recipients from Basingstoke and its surroundings.

Myrddin “Merv” Rees, from Basingstoke, is consultant general and hepatobiliary (liver and bile duct) surgeon at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and received an OBE for services to liver cancer surgery.

Merv said: “When I received the news, my first thoughts were about my team, the people I have worked with, and the thousands of patients we have been able to help over more than 33 years.

“From the outset, I was fortunate to work in a hospital in Basingstoke that supported innovation, and with colleagues throughout England who referred patients despite the scepticism of so many doctors.”

“This award is a great personal honour but at the same time, it is recognition of the outstanding work that has been done in Basingstoke by my liver surgery team colleagues Tim John, Fenella Welsh and Ben Cresswell.

Clare Normand, from Baughurst, is the founder of the Alec Normand Fund, named in honour of her son who passed away due to a brain tumour. Her fundraising work has seen her given an OBE for services to brain tumour charities.

Clare said: “To say I am proud of this award is an extraordinary understatement – it is the most unexpected gift of my life and very humbling.

“While I feel the honour deeply, nothing can replace our son Alec, who died of a brain tumour in 2008, at the age of nine. His quiet nature hid a gloriously sunny personality and smile, now represented, for all those who loved him, by a sunflower.

“As he was dying, he made us promise not to let the same thing happen to anyone else. It is a difficult promise to keep but I have been trying to do just that since, working with my family, wonderful friends and the outstanding team at The Brain Tumour Charity.”

MBE

The MBE, or Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, is awarded by the monarch on behalf of the government to recognise those who have had an outstanding achievement or given service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.

This year, there was one recipient from Basingstoke and its surroundings.

Diane Dodsworth, from Hook, is the head of nursing and critical care at Parkside Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. She was given her MBE for services to nursing, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

BEM

The BEM, or British Empire Medal, is awarded by the monarch on behalf of the government to recognise those who have provided a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community. Generally, this includes long-term charitable or voluntary activity, or innovative work of three to four years that has made a significant difference.

This year, there were two recipients from Basingstoke and its surroundings.

Richard Curtis, from Basingstoke, is the landlord of the Portsmouth Arms. He was given his BEM for services to charity and to the community in Hampshire during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Michelle Leary, from Basingstoke, is the Community Champion at Morrisons in the town. She was given her award for services to the economy during Covid-19 (Basingstoke, Hampshire)