Patrick Vernon & Emma Colyer honoured

Patrick Vernon and Emma Colyer, two unsung heroes were rightly rewarded for their unstinting efforts in the world of healthcare in last weekends Queen’s Jubliee Honours.

Patrick Vernon a local councillor and CEO of the Afiya Trust, a national charity which works to reduce health inequalities, was awarded an OBE for his services to tackling these inequalities. For more than 20 years he has dedicated most of his life campaigning for better access to healthcare from minority groups.

A modest Vernon said,

‘It hasn’t quite sunk in yet because I’m too busy working. It’s great when people put you forward and it’s brilliant that your peers recognise your achievement and the work I have done at a national level, there’s still more to do’.

Vernon has dedicated his honour to his parents.

Emma Colyer was awarded an MBE in this Diamond Jubilee Honours. She is the founder and director of Body and Soul, an organization that wonderfully helps those living with HIV overcome their difficulties and lead productive and joyful lives.

One of the many individuals that have come through the doors of Body and Soul said,

"When I was diagnosed with HIV my world felt like it had fallen apart. Body & Soul has literally been the difference between life and death for me. Through Emma’s passion and the support, love, motivation and knowledge I have received, I have been given hope and an ability to take control of my life. It is fantastic that the impact that Emma has had on our lives has been recognised in this way – she is completely one of a kind."

I know both Patrick and Emma and they are truly wonderful human beings. In a modern world  which too often  applauds and rewards the self obsessed and vain glory these two are from the other end of that spectrum. They are driven selflessly to serve others. It is clear that by  recognising the work individuals such as Patrick and Emma do  the Queen’s Honour system has a crucial role to play in our society.

Well done to you both.

Simon Woolley