King's New Year Honours for people in Teesside and County Durham
The list has been published
Last updated 1st May 2025
The people in Teesside who are being awarded as part of the King's New Year Honours has been revealed.
These are only snippets from the full list:
Gordon and Caroline McGough, from Middlesbrough, have been awarded an MBE for services to Fostering.
Over the last 29 years, they have fostered over 90 children, welcoming them to their safe and nurturing home. Some of the children have previously experienced massive trauma in their young lives.
Being in their home, where the children were nurtured, cared for, and where their needs were met with sensitivity, has had a significant impact on them for good.
Gordon and Caroline have looked after children providing respite and short-term foster care. Although, for some children, they have stayed longer term until their forever family was found.
They never gave up on a child. They also selflessly did everything they could to ensure their next move was not only planned but would be a positive experience for the child.
This was true regardless of whether the child returned home to their parent or proceeded on to be adopted.
They have stayed in contact with many of the children and young people that they cared for over the years.
They still receives letters and cards from them, evidencing how much they appreciated the care they gave them during a difficult time in their young lives.
55 year-old Matthew Gleaves, from Darlington, awarded a BEM for services to People with Disabilities in Sport
Matthew has been an instrumental driving force in the establishment of the Capital Apprenticeship Academy. The academy has to date brought in and trained over 20 degree-level quantity surveyors in partnership with some of our major school rebuilding contractors.
He is passionate about improving representation of disabled people in his chosen sport, Benchrest air rifle shooting. Despite facing significant challenges, Matt has emerged as a beacon of inspiration across the sport.
His unparalleled dedication and unwavering focus have propelled him to success as the current UK Benchrest rifle champion.
He has used this success and the visibility it has afforded him and leveraging his own social media channel AirAbility on platforms such as Facebook and YouTube.
He has used the opportunity to become a vocal advocate for disabled athletes, championing their cause and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.
His efforts have not only raised awareness but have also paved the way for greater participation and representation among individuals with disabilities.
Matt has run live trial events across the country, has a regular column on diversity and inclusion within the sport in a national air rifle magazine, and has now been asked to deliver a weekly ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ video tip slot for one of his sponsors.
Matt has been supported by the CSSC where he is an ambassador for their ‘Active Wellbeing’ campaign and was a finalist for the CSSC’s Sports Award.