A Coventry charity champion is among three locals who have been awarded in the 2025 New Year Honours. It has been revealed that Janet Mary McConkey who is the chair of the Coventry Children’s Boot Fund is among a trio celebrating being honoured in this year’s list.
She is to become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition for services to vulnerable children and families in Coventry. The fund was set up an incredible 125 years ago to help buy boots for young school boys.
It continues to help to this day to ensure that children do not miss out on school because they have no or ill-fitting or worn out shoes.
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Gareth Hopkins is also set to receive a BEM. He is an apprenticeship programme manager at the Forestry Commission.
He is to receive his award for services to forestry. His career started in the late 1980’s on a Youth Training Scheme and now he heads up the trailblazing programme that encourages young people into a career in forestry.
Mandeep Kaur Sanghera is set to receive an Order of the British Empire (OBE). Described as a Coventry project manager and philanthropist, she is to receive the honour for services to refugee resettlement.
She has played a pivotal role in rescuing over 400 Afghans and was involved in the evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon during the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. Her previous efforts include aiding individuals from Ukraine, Syria, Sudan, Iraq, and numerous other nations.
She has worked with the Home Office on safeguarding initiatives and as well as with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities concerning British nationals from Hong Kong. Her partnership with Serco and local authorities has also said to have been instrumental in providing support to asylum seekers.
Another New Year Honours recipient is Professor Gavin David Perkins. Dean of Medicine at Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick. He will receive an MBE for services to Resuscitation Science.
Region-wide, former West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, is also set to receive a Knighthood. Dannielle Jade Elizabeth Khan who was born in Solihull, is also set to receive an Order of the British Empire for cycling.