New Year Honours list 2024: south Essex heroes recognised

The release of the New Year Honours provides an opportunity to celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to our society, with this year’s list including a total of 1,227 recipients.

Among those who have received honours are two family members of a British backpacker, from Wickford, who was murdered in New Zealand.

Gillian and Grace Millane (Image: Gillian Millane)

Grace Millane was strangled to death in a hotel in Auckland the day before her 22nd birthday on December 1 2018. Her murderer Jesse Shane Kempson was found guilty by a unanimous verdict in November the following year.

After her death, her mother, Gillian Millane, and cousin, Hannah O’Callaghan, co-founded a charity in her name called Love Grace, which aims to “empower victims of domestic abuse.”

Moira Brock (Image: Moira Brock)

As a result of their work, the pair, both from Essex, have been made Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the New Year Honours list for “services to charitable fundraising and tackling violence against women”.

Much-loved stage school founder Moira Brock, from Laindon, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s honours list for outstanding work creating opportunities for young people.

Richard Gregory (Image: Richard Gregory)

Richard Gregory, 54, from Laindon, has also been awarded the BEM for a philanthropic career spanning more than 45 years.

Mandy Whiting, from Little Wakering, has been appointed an MBE for her work as founder of Two2One, a social group for widows and widowers, after the tragic death of her husband. Her husband Dave was tragically killed in January 2007 while on his way to work. He was only 49.

Founder of Basildon's Maru Karate Kai club, Marc Grayston, is set to receive the British Empire Medal for services to disadvantaged young people and to the community. 

MP Stephen Metcalfe and Marc Grayston (Image: Marc Grayston)

Sally Browne has been made an MBE for services to the arts and to the community in Southend.

Anne Patricia White, volunteer director at Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions Community Interest Company, has also been appointed an MBE for services to people with impairments.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The New Year’s Honours List recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion.

“To all honourees, you are the pride of this country and an inspiration to us all.”