People across UK honoured for dedication to charitable causes People from across the UK have been recognised in the New Year Honours list for their charitable dedication to their communities.
Among them are Gail and Jason O’Shea, both 58, from Brentwood, Essex, who are made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBEs) for charitable services to terminally and seriously ill children – having co-founded Wipe Away Those Tears.
Joanne Fitzpatrick, from Dundrum in County Down, Northern Ireland, has been made an MBE having worked for charity PeacePlayers which uses sport to bridge religious and cultural divides.
Ms Fitzpatrick, who is honoured for her efforts in community peacebuilding said: “Being able to give the opportunity for the kids to even just be in the same space is huge.
“Basketball is a neutral sport, Catholics don’t necessarily just play it, Protestants don’t necessarily just play it, nor do girls or boys.
