Five honoured by the Queen
AMAN who has provided an ‘inspiring’ message since becoming paralysed from the neck down, a police officer who ‘has brought communities together’ and a top headteacher are among five Rochdalebased winners to be recognised in the New Year’s honours list.
Superintendent Umer Khan has picked up an OBE for services to policing. Rochdale’s Mary Sheila Isherwood, the head of Camberwell Park School, was given an OBE for services to children and young people with special educational needs. Rachel Pilling, of Rochdale, has been awarded an MBE for services to further education.
Dorothy Brierley, vice chair of Rochdale Childer, has won a British Empire Medal holder for services to children in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale.
And Andrew Walker has been awarded an MBE for services to the disabled community.
Andrew has forged a successful career as a disability campaigner and motivational speaker since a horrific accident when he dived into the sea and hit his head on a rock when he was on holiday in Goa 13 years ago.
Andrew said: “I’m humbled and, to be honest, embarrassed to have been awarded this. It’s for the whole of my family, friends, carers and medical staff who have helped me achieve my goals.”
Rachel Pilling is head of department for student experience and safeguarding at The Manchester College having joined originally as a tutor, 13 years ago.
Over the last few years she has worked with 2,500 ‘at risk’ young learners, enabling the most vulnerable inner city young people to achieve and make progress.
Rachel said: “I have met so many passionate and dedicated people and I feel humbled to receive this honour.”
Umer Khan, a superintendent with Greater Manchester Police with 23 years’ experience having started as a PC in Rochdale in 1995, is now an OBE holder.
The force said he has helped bring people together in many different ways including working with communities and in Rochdale to maintain law, order and cohesion at around 30 demonstrations in the town.
He has led the national #WeStandTogether initiative for the last three years, uniting various organisations and communities under one umbrella.
Supt Khan said: “It’s an absolute honour to be awarded an OBE for work that I truly believe in and feel blessed to be able to make a small difference through my work.”