BEMs presented for outstanding service and devotion on Wearside

British Empire Medals (BEM) have been presented for outstanding services and devotion to the community.

The five BEMs were all presented on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Mrs Susan Winfield OBE.

The presentations were made at a civic reception in the Mayor's Parlour at Sunderland City Hall on Monday 28 February. It was the first event of its kind at the new City Hall.

The five recipients are:

• Kim Sheers from Houghton, for her voluntary work for people with disabilities

• Theo Wride from Ashbrooke, who made PPE for NHS workers during the pandemic

• Mahtab Morovat a worker with the Fightback Charity who helped the vulnerable during the pandemic

• Lucy Mansell-Render from Washington, an Asda supermarket worker who supported care workers during the pandemic

• Paula Hills for work supporting tax credit customers and the community.

All the recipients and their achievements have featured in recent Honours Lists.

Mrs Winfield said:

"Her Majesty the Queen recognises the outstanding work of all these individuals through this national honour.

"They have worked tirelessly and are a great inspiration for all of us on how we can serve, aid and help our communities with good and selfless works. It was very much my privilege to present these British Empire Medals and congratulate everyone for their endeavours.

"There are so many unsung heroes in our community and I would like to encourage nominations for national honours."

The British Empire Medal is awarded to people in recognition for outstanding services to their country, community, profession and walk of life.

Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Harry Trueman said:

"The presentation of these British Empire Medals is one of the first official Mayoral and public functions to be held and hosted here in the Mayor’s Parlour at our new City Hall.

"Well done to all our new medal holders, we are very proud and grateful for what you have achieved.

"Thanking and recognising these community beacons for their splendid achievements is a very worthy start to mayoral functions and works here in the hall.

"We look forward to welcoming and hosting more residents and visitors in coming weeks and months."

To find out more about making a nomination please visit www.gov.uk/honours or contact the Tyne and Wear Lieutenancy Office on 0191 433 2047.

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