South Cumbrians recognised in The King's New Year Honours

The New Year Honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, from all walks of life.

It was revealed last night that eight Cumbrian residents had been given the honour.

The Honours system gives national recognition to people who have given exceptional service in public and community life and are committed to making a difference to those around them.

Five individuals from South Cumbria have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.

Among those is Grasmere resident Steven Watts who has been awarded the honour for his services to charitable fundraising.

The 69-year-old was inspired into action after meeting Lake District fell-running legend Joss Naylor MBE in 1979.

From there on, he began taking on ambitious running challenges all in the name of charity, scaling Kilimanjaro, conquering Everest Base Camp and helping to raise £1million for the first children’s CT scanner in the north west.

As well as this, Mr Watts released a book last year after 551 consecutive days of posting Lake District lockdown photos for his followers to enjoy, with profits from book sales going to charity.

“It’s been a rollercoaster of overwhelming emotions. I’m lost for words,” said Mr Watts in regards to his Royal honour.

“When the email came in, I thought it was spam and then saw it had come from the cabinet office and when I opened it, there it was.

“I couldn’t believe it; it was totally unexpected.

“The support I have been given over the years really has been incredible.

“I have to thank all the dedicated people who have played a part in many fundraising projects I have done over the years, especially my son and wife and Lakeland legend Joss Naylor who inspired all of this.”

Nicholas Owen, team leader at Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue, has also been recognised in the 2023 Honours List for his services to mountain rescue.

The 59-year-old has attended around 1,800 rescues across 30 years of service.

He said: “It was a complete surprise. It’s a great honour. It’s not just recognition for me but the whole team who I’ve been involved with for the past 30 years.

“It’s not a one man band, it’s 40 people working together to make the fells safer and provide a fallback point when things go wrong. “

After 15 years as team leader, Mr Owen will step down in March but will still be very much part of the Langdale and Ambleside team.

He said: “Although I’m stepping down as leader, I have no intention of leaving the team, I’ll be involved in other elements.

“I’ve been sworn to secrecy up until now so it’s nice to be able to tell me friends and family and thank them for their support.”

Other South Cumbrians recognised in the Honours List include Professor Joanne Rycroft-Malone, from Grange, for services to Health and Social Care Research, Edward Mallinson, from Troutbeck, chair and Boat manager at The Shamrock Trust, for his services to Steam Boating Heritage and to the community in Cumbria, and Sheila Ashburner for her services to the community in Milnthorpe.