The King's Birthday Honours list has recognized seven remarkable individuals from the Channel Islands for their exceptional contributions to their communities and various causes. This year's recipients include four individuals from Guernsey and three from Jersey, each making a significant impact in their own unique ways.
One of the recipients, Jason Wyse, is the CEO of Silkworth, a charity dedicated to addiction treatment in Jersey. With a background in the finance industry, Jason has been at the helm of this organization since 2008, guiding it towards becoming a beacon of hope in a region grappling with high alcohol consumption. His expertise and advocacy have earned him recognition as a leading voice in addiction treatment, delivering presentations and sharing his knowledge with professionals and students across Jersey and the UK.
Mike Haden, another honoree, has dedicated his efforts to Hands Around the World Jersey, a charity that supports schools and children in Rwanda. Over the past 16 years, Mike has traveled to the region, working tirelessly to build new classrooms and facilities and provide essential sanitary products to girls. His commitment to the cause is driven by the pride he sees in the local community's efforts, as he emphasizes the importance of local initiatives in addition to financial contributions.
Jurat Ian Brown, a Guernsey resident, is a cycling enthusiast and a dedicated philanthropist. He has represented Guernsey in numerous Island Games and Commonwealth Games, showcasing his exceptional skills. Brown's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish a cycling shop in Guernsey and initiate projects like Wheels for You, which aims to make cycling more accessible to those with physical challenges. His passion for cycling and charity work has resulted in significant financial contributions, with his Rock to Rocque charity cycle ride raising over £700,000 over the last 34 years.
The Guernsey Swimming Club has a long-standing appreciation for Johanna Norman, who has dedicated nearly five decades of her life to voluntary services in swimming and water safety. Her coaching prowess has led athletes to compete at the Island, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games. Additionally, she founded the Open Castle Charity Swim, raising tens of thousands of pounds for local causes. Her commitment to the community has been recognized with the Sports Volunteer of the Year award at the Guernsey Press Pride of Guernsey Awards in 2024.
Ben Gregg, a long-standing member of St Martin's Parish in Guernsey, has dedicated thousands of hours to local infrastructure improvements. He has served as the Dean of the Douzaine and has been a regular volunteer minibus driver for Age Concern, demonstrating his commitment to the community. His efforts have been praised by Senior Constable Dave Beausire, who highlighted his leadership, building knowledge, and hands-on approach to refurbishment projects.
Dawn Tinley, a dedicated member of Mencap Jersey, has spent nearly four decades working to reduce the stigma surrounding people with learning disabilities. Her efforts have included placing individuals in supported private accommodation and implementing various programs to support their well-being. Her commitment to the cause was recognized with a British Empire Medal, which she found out about during a surprising phone call from the governor.
Lastly, Colin Prigent, the Deputy Head Gardener at Government House in Jersey, has been honored with a Royal Victorian Order for his 20 years of dedicated service. His contributions to the upkeep and beauty of Government House have been invaluable, and his commitment to the role has been recognized with this prestigious award.
These seven individuals, each with their own unique stories and contributions, exemplify the power of community service and the positive impact it can have on society. Their recognition in the King's Birthday Honours list serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that even small acts of kindness and dedication can lead to significant and lasting change.
