Three local residents have been acknowledged in the Queen's New Years Honours List 2016.
Alderley Edge resident Michael Josephson who has spent years tirelessly fundraising for children's charities has been awarded an MBE for charitable services to children.
After a long affiliation with ChildLine and the NSPCC, Michael was awarded the title of Divisional Vice-President of the NSPCC and has been Chairman of the North West ChildLine Ball Committee for the past 8 years. He is also a Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council.
Michael has undertaken extensive fundraising for the children's charities for over 15 years and in the past 5 years the ChildLine Ball has £800,00 which they are hoping to take over the £1m mark when this year's event takes place at the Hilton Hotel Manchester on March 5th.
In total Michael has raised an incredible £2m through his work for ChildLine, private dinners, corporate events and personal donations.
Michael, who was brought up in Leeds and moved to Alderley Edge in 2000, told me "I had a traumatic childhood and upbringing so wanted to help as many children as possible to prevent them from going through what I had to endure as a child."
Speaking about his MBE, Michael said "It was such a shock and honour and totally unexpected. I feel so honoured to receive such a prestigious accolade."
Additionally Professor Paul O'Brien from Wilmslow was awarded an MBE for services to Science and Engineering. Paul is Professor of Inorganic Materials Chemistry at the University of Manchester.
Whilst ex-footballer Francis Henry Lee, 71, received a CBE for services to Football and charity. Lee, who also lives in Wilmslow, played for Bolton Wanderers, Manchester City, Derby County and England. He won League Championship medals with Manchester City and Derby, and scored more than 200 goals in his career.
In 2010, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame and holds the English record for the greatest number of penalties scored in a season. In 1994, he became the major shareholder and chairman of Manchester City, but stepped down four years later.
Photo: Michael Josephson.
