23 people from across the West Midlands have been named in King Charles III’s first Birthday Honours List.

Each year the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life and all ages are recognised and this year’s list is as wide-ranging as ever.

This year’s local awardees include 2 CBEs, 4 OBEs, 10 MBEs and 7 people who are awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal).

Suzanne Richards, who has worked for people bereaved by homicide, has been acknowledged with an MBE. Suzy lost three very precious family members in June 2015, during the Tunisian terror attacks. 

She has been determined to not let the lives of  her son Joel, dad Pat and  brother Ade be forgotten. 'Smile For Joel' has been set up especially to make a difference in their name for others who have experienced losing someone they love in such a heart-breaking way.

Pauline Jones from Dudley, was awarded with an MBE, recognised for the community in Birmingham, particularly during the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

Edna Chapple, also from Dudley, was recognised with a British Empire Medal for work in the community in Sedgely.

Community activist and bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo, who is chair of the Windrush National Organisation, was also appointed MBE. The 56-year-old is also a vocal anti-racism campaigner and was prominent during the wave of protests in the West Midlands in the wake of George Floyd's death in the US.

The list also includes special mention of services to sport and the community, in the light of last summer’s Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Sir John Crabtree OBE said: “This year’s recipients showcase a range of outstanding achievements and provide an insight into the amazing people that make our region so great.

“We are all immensely grateful for what they do each and every day and I am absolutely delighted to see so many gain the recognition they deserve in the King’s first Birthday Honours.

“Through the activities of the West Midlands Lieutenancy, I come across many people providing support and giving their time to help others. Now more than ever, there are so many unsung heroes who deserve to be honoured but they need someone to nominate them.

“I would encourage people from across the region to get involved and think about who is making a difference in your local area so that we can continue to recognise these individuals for the great work they are doing.”

The individual Honours are announced twice a year to mark The King’s official birthday in June and at the end of December - the New Year Honours.