King’s Lynn, Fakenham and Hunstanton residents recognised in King Charles III New Year Honours List

Several West Norfolk and North Norfolk residents have been recognised for their hard work in a number of fields in the King’s third New Year’s Honours.

They have been awarded to a foster carer, a businessman, organisers of a charity quadrathlon, a chair of a health board and the vice chair of a lifeboat guild for their services.

The most highly commended person in the borough was The Rt. Hon. Patricia Hewitt, who received the Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire. She is chair of the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, for her services towards “healthcare transformation”.

Dame Hewitt, who lives in Hunstanton, says she is “deeply humbled and honoured” to receive the award and added it has been the “greatest privilege” of her life.

Lynn-based businessman Richard Finney, the mind behind Captain Fawcett, has been awarded a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE).

This honour highlights Richard’s leadership in expanding his enterprise in men’s grooming products along with his dedication to supporting mental health, homelessness and children’s welfare charities.

Mr Finney said that his award is a reflection of “collective dedication and teamwork”.

Lynn-based foster carer Barbara Howell also received an MBE for her work fostering children for Norfolk County Council.

Vice-chair of the Wells Lifeboat Guild Sheila Warner also received an MBE.

Ms Warner, from Fakenham, received the award for her voluntary services to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Sophie Ellis and Jessica Lapping, who are both co-organisers of the charity quadrathlon The Norfolk Superhero, both received an MBE.

Ms Ellis, from Lynn and Ms Lapping, from Fakenham, make sure the annual event in June runs efficiently. This year’s event raised £231,000 for Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue and Burnham Overy Harbour Trust.

Also receiving a prestigious award from the King was actor and broadcaster Stephen Fry, who resides in West Bilney.

He received a Knight’s honour from Charles III for his work as president of mental health charity Mind and as vice president of Fauna and Flora International for his services to mental health awareness, the environment and charity.

Former Formula 1 star turned broadcaster Martin Brundle, who lives in Gayton, was also given an Officers of the Order of the British Empire award by the king for his services to motor racing and sports broadcasting.