Four Flintshire residents have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for their exceptional contributions to their communities, including support for disabled people, young people in care, dental health, and emergency response volunteering.
Among the recipients is Mary Patricia Bochenski, 73, from Mold, who has received an MBE for services to people with disabilities. Ms Bochenski began advocating for disabled rights in 1979 after her son suffered severe brain damage.
She became a founding member of The Children’s Opportunity Group in Bolton, supporting children with profound difficulties, and later volunteered for a decade with Contact-a-Family in North Wales, running a helpline.
As chair of trustees for Cartref Ni, she helped expand services for adults with learning disabilities, increasing charitable income from £710,000 in 2001 to over £4 million in 2022. She was also the first voluntary sector leader in Wales to chair a county joint secretariat for learning disabilities.
Also recognised is 81-year-old Sheena Harrison from Flintshire, awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her work with young people in foster care. Despite a late start in social work and a dyslexia diagnosis, she has supported North-East Wales Foster Care Services since 2005, mentoring staff and providing 24/7 assistance to carers and social workers across north east Wales and Wirral. Colleagues describe her as the “glue” of the team.
Barbara Thomas, 76, from Buckley, received a BEM for over six decades of voluntary service with the British Red Cross. She began volunteering at age 11 and has contributed to first aid, casualty simulation, fundraising, anti-trafficking initiatives, and emergency responses, including the 2012 St Asaph floods.
She has also adapted courses for neurodiverse attendees and played a key role in the Wrexham Welfare Support Project. Béatrice Butsana-Sita, chief executive of the British Red Cross, praised her as a “fantastic ambassador” whose service has left a lasting impact.
Elaine Olga Simmons from Holywell was honoured for her contributions to dentistry and dental nursing as a tutor and quality assessor at The Academy of Dental Nursing, highlighting her dedication to improving dental health education.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised the honours list, saying: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives. Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be.”