BRAVERY MEDAL FOR HERO CAVE DIVER RICK
COVENTRY DIVER AWARDED GEORGE MEDAL IN NEW YEAR’S HONOURS LIST
A FORMER Coventry firefighter who led the dramatic rescue of schoolboys trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand has been awarded the George Medal for his bravery in the New Year’s Honours List.
Rick Stanton, who still lives in the city, was one of the first divers to reach the children and their coach after nine days underground.
The incredible rescue mission described as “the most challenging underground rescue in history” made headlines across the globe and has already seen the diving team, including Mr Stanton, receive many honours.
Regarded as one of the most experienced cave divers in the world, Mr Stanton has already won an Outstanding Bravery Award and been honoured with the Good Citizen’s Award by Coventry City Council for his heroic efforts.
Now he has been handed the George Medal - the second highest civilian gallantry award.
Mr Jewell from Cheddar, Somerset, who is the diving officer of the British Cave Rescue Council (BCRC), said: “I really appreciate the recognition our BCRC team is receiving with these honours and thanks to everyone that nominated us.
“People from all over the country
and the world have reached out to us to offer congratulations and express their gratitude.”
Mr Stanton is by no means the only worthy recipient of a New Year’s Honour from our neck of the woods.
Among the list of local honours are some of the unsung heroes who make such a vital difference to the area and its people.
You can see the full list by area below. Coventry
James Sidney William Cooper has been made an OBE for his voluntary political service in the West Midlands. Nuneaton
David Grahame Newborough has also been made an OBE. He received the award for his skills in the energy and utility sector.
Ivan Donald Ould, from Atherstone, was also made an OBE for his services to local government.
He is currently Cabinet Member for Children and Young People at Leicestershire County Council. leamington Spa
Christopher Peter Trye has received a British Empire Medal for his services to the Church and for charity. Solihull Lynette Olatunde Rachel Adjei has been made an MBE for her services to adoption and fostering recruitment. She was formerly marketing and promotions officer
at Birmingham City Council.
Sky Sports presenter Gary Newbon has also been made an MBE for his services to media, sport and charity.
Anne Patricia Ryder has been given a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Solihull. Warwickshire obe
Professor Brian William Dolan has been made an OBE for services to Nursing and to Emergency Care.
He is the visiting Professor of Nursing Oxford Institute for Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Research. Helen Margaret MacLagan has
also been made an OBE for her services to heritage and culture. mbe
Roger Terence Arthur Medwell has been made an MBE for his services to the community in Coventry.
Vivienne Muriel Morgan, the founder and proprietor of Northleigh House School, has been made an MBE for her services to education. bem
Elizabeth Hallam, formerly an officer for Border Force, has been given a British Empire Medal for services to Border Security. Elizabeth Philomena Morgan, the chairwoman of Stratford Upon Avon Hospital League of Friends, has been given the British Empire Medal for voluntary service.
Susan Mary Vaile, from Long Compton, has been given the British Empire Medal for voluntary service in Warwickshire. Rugby Susan Rachael Crewe-Smith, a physiotherapist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, has been awarded an MBE for services to physiotherapy and for her voluntary service to amateur sports.