Congratulations to the Sutton residents and staff who have been honoured for their extraordinary contributions:

Pam Fry, Founder and CEO of PlayWise CiC awarded an MBE for services to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Arlene Wellman, Chief Nurse, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust awarded MBE for services to nursing

Devina Banerjee, Vaccine Landscape and Portfolio, Vaccine Taskforce, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy awarded MBE

Mohammad Jamil Radha, Healthcare Assistant at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust awarded BEM

Pam is the founder and CEO of PlayWise CiC and has been awarded an MBE for services to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The award acknowledges Pam’s amazing contribution to supporting children and young people with SEND and the difference she has made in the community. Pam has over 25 years’ experience working with children and young people with SEND and has worked in Sutton since 2003, initially in the Sure Start programme and then moving into the Sutton Portage Service.

Pam co-founded PlayWise in 2019 to extend the support offer to families of young children with disabilities aged between 0-8 years. PlayWise offers a range of bespoke services including a wide variety of support interventions to help reduce the impact of disability on everyday life – many of which are delivered in partnership with families and educators.

Pam Fry, CEO of PlayWise CiC commented:

“I was completely blown away by receiving this award. I couldn’t actually believe they were talking about me – I burst out crying when I read the letter. I’m actually going to meet the Queen! It’s such an honour and a privilege to be a part of the lives of so many families and it’s incredible to receive such recognition for something I love doing. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my incredible partner and amazing team”

Arlene Wellman, Chief Nurse of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her contribution to nursing, as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Arlene, who is also Director of Infection Prevention and Control, has worked for the Trust since 2018. Her role includes responsibility for the organisation’s vital nursing, midwifery and healthcare support workforce, which played an integral role in the hospitals’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic and has led on the delivery of key improvements in recent years.

Arlene Wellman Chief Nurse, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust said:

“I am truly humbled to be awarded an MBE, and was very surprised to be told I would be receiving an honour – it hasn’t really sunk in yet!”

“Growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, I knew from an early age that I wanted to help people, and a career in nursing has allowed me to do just that. I am proud to be a nurse, and proud to lead the wonderful, caring team at Epsom and St Helier.”

Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council said:

“I am delighted to hear the news of four amazing people who live or work in Sutton being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Pam and the team at PlayWise have been instrumental in bringing bespoke services to children with disabilities and their families in Sutton for a number of years. This award showcases the dedication of Pam and her commitment to excellence and leadership.”

“Arlene’s dedication to public service is truly special and the award is extremely well deserved. Working closely with Epsom and St Helier Hospitals it has been amazing to see key improvements over recent years as well as dynamic and brave service delivery during the pandemic.”

“The last year in particular has been exceptionally challenging for so many residents and people who work in the borough and a special well done to both Devina and Mohammad for being awarded an MBE and BEM respectively. The theme for this year’s Birthday Honours is ‘Caring Nation’ and Pam, Arlene, Devina and Mohammad each exemplify this through their work and approach.”