A RESPECTED hospital consultant behind the creation of a Grimsby Telegraph-backed campaign has been awarded an MBE.
Henry Pearson, consultant colorectal surgeon at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital and the founder of the successful Bottom's Up Appeal is to be honoured for his services within the NHS as part of the Queen's birthday honours list.
For the past 25 years, Mr Pearson has dedicated his time and commitment to making sure his patients have access to the best possible services.
The Bottom's Up Appeal has gone from strength to strength, with many people setting up events over the years to help boost funds.
As reported, Mr Pearson, together with committee members, used the appeal in 2009 to pay for a counselling and treatment suite and bay – which is home to six high-observation beds and monitors – within the hospital.
Surgical equipment has also been purchased to benefit bowel patients and those with other conditions.
Honoured to be receiving this prestigious award, Mr Pearson, 62, said: "I was shocked when the letter came through.
"I never expected to get anything like this – I just go about my everyday work which I love.
"I work with an excellent team of doctors and nurses and I know many other people who would be just as worthy of this award.
"I have to thank the brilliant support of my wife Cherry Ann Pearson and my secretary Jill Doyle."
The Queen's honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life or committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.
They usually have made life better for other people or be outstanding at what they do.
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour but they are asked not to tell the individual in case they are unsuccessful in receiving it.
Mr Pearson, who now works part-time at the hospital, has seen hundreds of thousands of pounds raised over the years for the appeal.
He said: "When I retire I will hand over my key responsibilities of the Bottom's Up Appeal, but I will remain fond and supportive of the cause.
"I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated towards the charity so far."
The lists of who's received honours are published at New Year and on the Queen's official birthday in June.
Another person who provides a service within North East Lincolnshire has been honoured, too.
Michele Mary Hargreaves, executive officer, operations for the Department for Work and Pensions, will receive an MBE for her services to welfare and the local community in Grimsby.
No dates have been released as to when their awards will be given but keep checking your Grimsby Telegraph for updates.
Editor's Comment Over the last few weeks the health service in general has come under some significant fire across the country. It is right that the service has come under scrutiny – however when such stories break it is easy to forget the tremendous amount of very, very good work that is carried out day in and day out at hospitals around Britain. Today we officially salute one of Grimsby's finest, Mr Henry Pearson. There will be many people who have Mr Pearson to thank for their current quality of life, indeed their life, as he has served this area with dedication and skill. It is surgeons like Mr Pearson, and indeed there are many, who have transformed the lives of those they have cared for. Yes, they are paid well for what they do, but they deserve it. The Telegraph came across Mr Pearson during its Bottoms Up Appeal, and we have nothing but admiration for him and his team – along with the many, many staff there who do care. *What is your experience of Grimsby's Diana Princess of Wales Hospital or other hospitals across the country? Follow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor
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