Flintshire Paralympian Sabrina Fortune awarded MBE

Flintshire residents are among 58 Welsh recipients recognised in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025, released today by the Cabinet Office.

The honours celebrate exceptional contributions across a wide range of sectors, with a particular emphasis on community champions and selfless dedication.

Sabrina Fortune MBE – Athletics

Sabrina Fortune, from Mold, has been awarded an MBE for her achievements in athletics. Recognised by her National Governing Body as the world’s leading women’s F20 shot putter, Sabrina has won the world title three times, culminating in a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Her journey to international success began at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, where she won bronze on her Games debut with a personal best throw of 12.94m. In 2018, she secured her first major title, claiming F20 shot put European gold in Berlin. Sabrina continued to dominate in 2024, breaking her own world record twice – first in Birmingham and later in Kobe, Japan – before shattering it again with her first throw in Paris, winning gold in the process. Her extraordinary achievements have solidified her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

Sergeant David Smith BEM – Community Service and Charity

North Wales Police Sergeant David Smith, 38, from Broughton, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the community in North Wales and his charitable efforts. Sgt Smith has played a key role in strengthening relationships between the public and the police in Wrexham, leading efforts that helped North Wales Police achieve the highest community confidence rating in England and Wales in 2023.

Through his voluntary work, he has raised £48,000 for charitable causes. In his own time, he established the Wrexham Police Football Team, bringing together officers and staff for matches promoting inclusivity. These fixtures have included teams of diverse genders, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and religious beliefs, as well as individuals who have been through the criminal justice system. Sgt Smith has also formed partnerships with initiatives such as Her Game Too, Football V Homophobia, and the White Ribbon Charity, which campaigns to end violence against women and girls.

Paul Heitzman BEM – Services to Education

Paul Heitzman, 69, from Mold, has also been awarded a BEM for his transformative contributions to education over the past 20 years. He has successfully led multiple schools out of special measures, including All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield and St Gregory’s in Warrington. His leadership resulted in St Mary’s Catholic College in Wallasey being rated outstanding by Ofsted on two occasions.

He postponed retirement to support St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School in Flint, guiding it out of special measures and ensuring its ongoing success. Paul has also mentored new and inexperienced headteachers, helping to rapidly improve their confidence and effectiveness. His resourcefulness and resilience in challenging circumstances have made him an inspirational role model for school leaders.

Jayne Hughes BEM – Services to Children with Rare Disorders and their Families

Jayne Hughes, 58, from Eryrys near Mold, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her outstanding services to children with rare disorders and their families.

In 2007, Mrs Hughes founded the charity Amy and Friends in memory of her late daughter, Amy, who died at the age of 28. The organisation provides vital support to families affected by Cockayne Syndrome (CS), a rare genetic disorder. From facilitating diagnoses and assisting with essential equipment to hosting a private forum for round-the-clock support, Amy and Friends has become a lifeline for families and medical professionals alike.

Mrs Hughes’ work expanded to support families affected by Trichothiodystrophy (TTD), a condition similar to CS. In 2019, her efforts contributed to the establishment of the Rare Disease Clinic at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, offering specialised care to families dealing with CS and TTD.

Through her unwavering dedication, Mrs Hughes has touched countless lives in the UK and across the globe, providing essential support and guidance to families navigating the challenges of rare diseases.

Tarsem Dhaliwal OBE – Services to the Welsh Economy, Retail, and Charity

Tarsem Dhaliwal, Chief Executive Officer of Deeside-based Iceland Foods, has been awarded an OBE for his outstanding contributions to the Welsh economy, the retail sector, and charitable causes.

Tarsem was appointed Group CEO of Iceland in 2018, having served as Group Managing Director and previously as Group Finance Director for 12 years.

Under his leadership, Iceland returned to full British ownership in 2020 through the £108.5m acquisition of shares from South African investors, solidifying its position as a key player in UK retail with an annual turnover of nearly £4bn, 1,000 stores, and 30,000 employees.

During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in transforming Iceland from a loss-making business in 2005 to achieving record profits, including negotiating a £1.55bn management buyout in 2012.

A trustee of the Iceland Foods Charitable Foundation, which has donated over £30m since 1973, Tarsem has championed major campaigns for causes such as dementia, the environment, and children’s wellbeing, as well as supporting the UK Sepsis Trust and Prostate Cancer UK.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer praised the honourees, stating:

“Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities. They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.

“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”

The Secretary of State for Wales, The Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, also commended the recipients:
“Huge congratulations to all the recipients from Wales who have been recognised on the New Year Honours List.

“It is inspirational to see the wonderful work done by so many people from a huge range of backgrounds, from every part of Wales and in every sector of life.

“Whether their passion lies in sport, health and wellbeing, or music and the arts, their contributions make a huge difference to all our lives, and I’d like to thank each and every one of them.”

Welsh honourees make up 5% of the total recipients recognised this year. Their stories reflect the exceptional impact of individuals working tirelessly to make their communities stronger, safer, and more inclusive.

[Main photo: paralympics.org.uk]