Recognition for Wigan community heroes in Queen's honours list

Wiganers are celebrating after being honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Frank CostelloFrank Costello
Frank Costello

Frank Costello, the recently retired chairman of the governing board at Wigan and Leigh College, was amongst those recognised.

He has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) after dedicating the last 20 years to the role of college governor, and the last three of those as chairman.

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During his period as chairman, the college has been transformed and is now in the top 13 per cent of further education colleges nationally for performance.

Michele NelMichele Nel
Michele Nel

He was named Educate North’s College of the Year in 2018 and achieved the highest student satisfaction rates in the Greater Manchester each year during his final three years.

Frank said: “As the former chairman of Wigan and Leigh College, I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to receive this honour.

“Whilst recognising that it is personal to me, I believe it also recognises the excellence of the college, and those who work hard to make it successful.”

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Wigan community stalwart Michele Nel has also been recognised after more than 20 years of volunteering.

John WilliamsJohn Williams
John Williams

The 58-year-old, from Standish, plays a major role at Today’s Community Church at The Edge, runs a number of groups and events helping vulnerable people and those who have recently arrived in the UK and contributed to the response to this year’s Covid-19 pandemic.

She is passionate about traditional skills such as knitting, sewing, cooking and crafts and passing these on to ensure they are not lost.

Michele, who is originally from South Africa and came to Britain 22 years ago, said she was stunned to be given the prestigious honour and at first had trouble believing it was genuine.

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She said: “It’s surreal. I thought it was a joke until I contacted them in person.

Deborah O’NeilDeborah O’Neil
Deborah O’Neil

“I’m in shock because for me it just feels like an ordinary thing to do.

“The work we’ve done for the community has been incredible but none of it would have been possible without the close to 200 volunteers who have been helping me.

“It’s crazy but I’m very happy for them because they will get some recognition for all the work they’ve done.”

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Also celebrating was Christopher Hindley, chief executive of Youth Fed, who has received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to young people in the North West.

Chris, from Standish, has served as CEO for Youth Fed since 2010, and has helped launch and guide the delivery of new projects and initiatives. These have directly enabled young people to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of background or circumstance.

He said: “This award is a recognition of the Youth Fed and the amazing work it does to support thousands of young people across the North West of England.

“Through this award, the efforts and dedication of all the staff, volunteers and trustees will be rightly acknowledged.”

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Meanwhile, PC John Williams, from Wigan, who works in the Serious Collision Investigation Unit for Greater Manchester Police, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM), for services to policing and charity.

He can often be found attending community events, schools and scout groups to promote the role of police within the community.

When he isn’t working to keep the roads of Greater Manchester safe, John spends his time outside of work volunteering and fund-raising for charity, including Retrak which helps street children into safe new lives. He has helped them raise more than £100,000 and acted for them as an ambassador.

PC John Williams BEM said: “I am shocked and very honoured to be awarded the British Empire Medal. Everything I’ve done has been for the right reasons - to help others. That’s our job.”

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Another reciptent was Standish’s Ian Brown, who was awarded a British Empire Medal for his huge service as commanding offcer of Standish St Wilfrid’s Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade.

He said: “A massive thank you to everyone for your good wishes and kind comments. I have enjoyed every single minute of being part of our fantastic organisation and have met and worked with some fantastic people along the way.

“A big thanks also to my family and friends for all your support over the years.”

And Wigan-born scientist Deborah O’Neil, who lived in Standish, was also honoured.

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The ex-St John Rigby student, who is now the chief executive of Aberdeen firm NovaBiotics, has received an Order of British Empire (OBE).

Her firm develops and tests life-changing medicines for conditions including cystic fibrosis and, more recently, Covid-19.

Dr O’Neil said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted.

“I was very surprised when I found out only three and a half weeks ago.

She added: “I’m so pleased to get recognition for doing what I do at NovaBiotics and for charity work, helping with research like cystic fibrosis.”

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