Newbury Soup Kitchen’s CEO among the locals honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours List
The founder of a Newbury charity has said she is “incredibly honoured” to have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Meryl Praill, founder and CEO of Newbury Soup Kitchen, has been appointed an MBE in the honours, which have just been announced this evening (Friday), for services to the community in Newbury.
“I am very overwhelmed, slightly embarrassed, and as I suffer terribly from imposter syndrome taking time to digest the honour and what it means,” she said.
“I never considered that this would happen to me.
“I know how proud my family are of me and this award.
“They have been on the long and sometimes difficult journey with me while I have set up and coped with the day to day running of Newbury Soup Kitchen which was especially hard at the beginning.
“They have always been there for me when I have doubted myself, which is often.
“The charity is a wonderful place to be and I am so proud of what it has become, and I am lucky with the amazing team of people who support me.
“It is taking time for this to sink in and a difficult secret to keep as I have known for about six weeks.
“I want to say thank you for everyone who nominated me, I am very honoured.”
Mrs Praill also paid tribute to her “rock”, husband Nick, who she married in 1992 and to their “three beautiful grown-up children” - Jack, Laura and Sam.
She said her mum was also very proud of her.
There was also an MBE for Luke Humphries. The Newbury darts sensation produced a brilliant surge just two weeks ago to defeat World Champion Luke Littler and clinch his maiden BetMGM Premier League title at The O2 in London.
There was also an MBE for Lavinia Britton, a campaigner from Newbury, for her services to people with dementia and their carers.
Professor Andrew Randewich, the executive director science at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE), has been appointed a CBE for services to defence.
Also from AWE, John Whitaker, lately a distinguished specialist at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, was appointed an OBE for services to defence.
Grace Muir, founder and CEO of Homing Ex-Racehorses Organisation Scheme (HEROS), which is based in Wantage, was appointed an MBE for services to charity, animal welfare and education.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “This year’s Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.
"From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. Just head here to find out more - https://www.gov.uk/honours
If you were among those honoured in the King’s Birthday List, please let us know your story. Just email newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
