British Red Cross worker from Kibworth named in New Year Honours List for his work during the Covid-19 pandemic

A British Red Cross worker from Kibworth has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year Honours List 2021 for his work during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Paul Hebborn, 62, an emergency response (ER) officer for Northamptonshire, joined the Red Cross five years ago.

Using skills from the Red Cross and those gained as a fire station officer, Paul managed and guided local volunteers to help meet the needs of the public during the Covid-19 pandemic. He organised teams to go shopping, pack food parcels, deliver medication and leaflets, as well as arranging welfare checks on the most vulnerable members of his community.

Paul has helped over 3,000 people across Northamptonshire often working seven days a week for months at a time.

Despite his dedication, Paul is modest about his achievements. “It’s not just me that deserves this award,” he says. “It’s my team of volunteers. They work so hard. Even on Christmas Eve they helped late into the night as people were forced to leave their homes during the flooding.”

Paul, who lost his dad earlier this year, admits it’s been a challenging year both personally and professionally.

“I’m excited to tell my mum about the award,” he says. “I know it’ll make her proud and it’s nice to end the year on some good news.”

Since March 2020, the British Red Cross has reached over 1.5 million people in the UK providing food, medicines, emotional and wellbeing support, transport to and from hospital as well as providing a range of education resources online as we continue to support the most vulnerable communities through the crisis.

British Red Cross Chief Executive Mike Adamson is delighted that Paul is getting recognition for his work during this difficult time.

He said: “Paul is a shining example of the exemplary staff and volunteers we are lucky to have to support the vital work of the Red Cross. He is a true humanitarian and works tirelessly to support vulnerable people when they need it most, especially during the past year.

"We are profoundly fortunate to have him in the team. He is a true ambassador for the Red Cross, exhibiting daily and genuinely the values of inclusivity, compassion, courage, and dynamism. We are delighted to see him honoured in this way.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations on this well-deserved honour and thank Paul for his continued passion for helping to make a difference.”