AN NHS governor who has helped transform the lives of thousands of people by creating 10,000 new jobs in Nepal has been honoured by the Queen.

Tim Gocher, 51, from Westcliff, was handed the Order of the British Empire after being named on the Queen’s birthday honours list.

In addition to his role for the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust which oversees Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospitals, Mr Gocher helps run a charity known as the Dolma Foundation, and a business called the Dolma Impact Fund.

The two organisations have helped to create thousands of new jobs in Nepal, providing opportunities on solar farms and within technology companies.

Mr Gocher was made an OBE for services to British investment and economic development in Nepal.

“It’s amazing to have been appointed an OBE,” he said.

“It’s also so amazing to see the pride created in these communities and remote village thanks to the new jobs and business boost.

“I fell off my chair when I found out, but as it settles in I think it’s motivation and a better platform for the work we do and more of this too.

“My family is so proud of the appointment, and I feel like it’s also for my wife too as she’s a big part of the work.”

The work being done to improve the lives of people in Nepal is particularly poignant for Mr Gocher, as his wife Pooja was born in the country.

The couple previously spent several years living in Nepal together and still make regular trips to the Asian nation along with their three children.

The Dolma Foundation, a Southend-based charity, aims to reduce poverty in Nepal by investing in education, health and sustainable businesses.

It works alongside the Dolma Impact Fund, which provides expertise and capital to technology companies in Nepal looking to expand.

Mr Gocher added: “The Dolma Impact Fund works to invest in businesses that are sustainable and help create prosperity.

“This means families do not need to leave the country for work and a better life as others have done.

“It is a for-profit company and I have a strong belief in the private sector and sustainable firms which I believe helps create more prosperity.

“We invest in businesses that are in the technology and renewable energy sector, such as solar and hydro power. We focus on greener and cleaner energy.

“We work with technology firms to help bring them into the new digital age and world.”

Mr Gocher also uses his expertise in his role on the audit committee for the Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, and in guiding digital and technological improvements that can help both patients and staff.

His charity work in Nepal has also seen him work with David Stanley, from the Music Man Project charity in Southend, to teach songs to 50 children with learning difficulties at the Navjyoti Special School in Kathmandu.