Two Tring residents have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.
Dr David Rollinson, who is an associate of the Natural History Museum and has dedicated much of his work to finding cures for tropical diseases, has been given an OBE for services to museum science and public health.
Also named on this year’s list is Kathleen Lewis, who has been working with the Hospice of St Francis for 32 years. She has been given a BEM for services to the hospice community.
TRINGnews spoke to the pair about what it is like to be given this prestigious recognition.
Dr Rollinson has delivered scientific leadership in Africa, helping to provide significant advancements in eradicating tropical diseases.
Now, the Natural History Museum associate has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024.
Dr Tim Littlewood, executive director of science for the Natural History Museum, said: “David’s hard work and determination has truly enhanced the lives of many. We are thrilled that his global efforts have been recognised with an OBE. Congratulations!”
As current director of the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance, David has galvanised the central partnership of research organisations, funders, pharmaceutical companies and NGOs to accelerate the elimination of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by worms.
Also featured on the list is Tring resident Kathleen ‘Kay’ Lewis, a volunteer from the Hospice of St Francis.
Speaking to TRINGnews, 81-year-old Kay described the moment she opened the letter from the Cabinet Office as a “huge surprise”.
Kay began volunteering at the hospice in 1992, starting as a volunteer in the kitchen in the Inpatient Unit. Over the 32 years since then, she has done everything from visiting bereaved people to supervising the hospice’s support line callers. Kay also acted as a hospice ambassador after her husband died.
She said: “I felt I had to find purpose in my life and do something.
“I’m so proud to have been involved for such a long time with our wonderful hospice. And I’m so grateful to have worked alongside so many inspirational, amazing people. I feel it’s a privilege to be able to do what I’ve done.”
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