These people have been recognised by the Queen for their extraordinary efforts to support others.

From helping children with special needs to being a part of the vaccine taskforce, these Sutton members have made a noticeable difference in their community.

Below we have listed the four people who have been awarded an MBE or BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours:

  • Pam Fry, Founder and CEO of PlayWise CiC awarded an MBE for services to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Arlene Wellman, Chief Nurse, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust awarded MBE for services to nursing
  • Devina Banerjee, Vaccine Landscape and Portfolio, Vaccine Taskforce, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy awarded MBE
  • Mohammad Jamil Radha, Healthcare Assistant at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust awarded BEM

Pam co-founded PlayWise in 2019, which offers a range of bespoke services including a wide variety of support interventions to help reduce the impact of disability on everyday life.

Your Local Guardian: PamPam

The award acknowledges Pam’s amazing contribution to supporting children and young people with SEND and the difference she has made in the community.

Pam has over 25 years’ experience and has worked in Sutton since 2003, initially in the Sure Start programme and then moving into the Sutton Portage Service.

“I was completely blown away by receiving this award," said Pam.

"I couldn’t actually believe they were talking about me - I burst out crying when I read the letter. I’m actually going to meet the Queen!

"It’s such an honour and a privilege to be a part of the lives of so many families and it’s incredible to receive such recognition for something I love doing.

"I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my incredible partner and amazing team.”

Arlene Wellman, Chief Nurse of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals, is also the Director of Infection Prevention and Control.

Your Local Guardian: Arlene Arlene

Arlene Wellman, who started at the trust in 2018, said: “I am truly humbled to be awarded an MBE, and was very surprised to be told I would be receiving an honour – it hasn’t really sunk in yet!”

“Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people, and a career in nursing has allowed me to do just that.

"I am proud to be a nurse, and proud to lead the wonderful, caring team at Epsom and St Helier.”

Congratulating the staff and residents, Council Leader Ruth Dombey, said: “I am delighted to hear the news of four amazing people who live or work in Sutton being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

"Pam and the team at PlayWise have been instrumental in bringing bespoke services to children with disabilities and their families in Sutton for a number of years.

This award showcases the dedication of Pam and her commitment to excellence and leadership.”

She added: “Arlene’s dedication to public service is truly special and the award is extremely well deserved.

"Working closely with Epsom and St Helier Hospitals it has been amazing to see key improvements over recent years as well as dynamic and brave service delivery during the pandemic.

“The last year has been exceptionally challenging for so many residents and people who work in the borough and a special well done to both Devina and Mohammad for being awarded an MBE and BEM respectively.

"The theme for this year’s Birthday Honours is ‘Caring Nation’ and Pam, Arlene, Devina and Mohammad each exemplify this through their work and approach.”