Community heroes honoured in King's birthday list

The first Birthday Honours list issued by King Charles has recognised a number of Lancashire individuals who have had a positive impact within their local communities.

Chorley's Jen Blackwell has been recognised with a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to disabled people. Born with Down's syndrome, and after failing to find a dance class that would allow her to pursue her passion, she launched her own organisation, DanceSyndrome.

The company itself earned the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019 and now Jen has earned an individual honour. She said: "I’m amazed to receive this honour for what I love doing. I’m proud of who I am and the achievements of DanceSyndrome.

"It’s an honour to inspire others to dance and live a life of their choosing. I believe that everybody can dance and do things they love no matter how other people define us.”

John Child, managing director of the iconic Sandcastle Waterpark, has earned an MBE for services to tourism, to people with disabilities and to the community in Blackpool.

Pauline Gamester, co-founder and director of The Sewing Rooms community interest company in Skelmersdale, received an MBE for services to social enterprise and to the community in Lancashire.

The Sewing Rooms works with long-term unemployed and private customers, teaching sewing and upholstery skills. The company also undertakes outreach programmes and delivers bespoke workshops for the Probation Service, delivering sewing and upholstery courses to women and men at their bail hostels across Lancashire.

Dominic Harrison, who served as the director for public health at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, earned the BEM for services to vulnerable people in Lancashire. He was widely praised for the town's efforts in combatting the Covid-19 pandemic before retiring in 2022.

Ros Slinger of Preston, who is chair of centre membership of the Pony Club, has earned an MBE for services to equestrianism and to charity.

Janine Smith, commercial and digital resilience manager for the Department for Work and Pensions, earned an MBE for her public service. Gill Andrew, from the same department, also earned a BEM for public and charitable services in Fleetwood.

Elaine Shallcross earned a BEM for her services to pickleball after serving as a player, coach, administrator and ambassador of the International Federation of Pickleball.

Chorley's Claire Johnson, co-founder of Duchenne UK, co-founder of Joining Jack and board member of the World Duchenne Organisation earned an OBE for services to charity and to people with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.