King’s Birthday Honours List 2025: Recognition for leading figures in dementia care
The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 has recognised the work of two people living with dementia – Chris Maddocks and Joy Watson – who have both been awarded a BEM.
Chris is a Trustee for Alzheimer’s Society and has been honoured for services to advocacy and awareness for Lewy body dementia and LGBTQ+ dementia communities. Chris has spoken at UK Dementia Congress in the past and was a joint winner (with Ronald Amanze) of the Special Contribution of People Living with Dementia award at Dementia Community’s National Dementia Care Awards in 2022.
Joy is a Volunteer who has been honoured for services to people with dementia in Salford. Joy has spoken at UK Dementia Congress in the past and, along with Chris, is part of the 3 Nations Dementia Working Group (3NDWG). Joy represented 3NDWG on our November 2024 webinar ‘Driving safely with dementia’ https://youtu.be/OiGu_ajY4-U?si=32pQetWz_U63j7HV.
Also in the King’s Birthday Honours List is Beth Britton, who has been awarded the MBE for services to people with dementia and their carers. Beth is a former carer to her dad who, in the 13+ years since her dad died, has worked with numerous organisations and individuals affected by dementia, including since autumn 2023 as Communications Lead for Dementia Community. Read Beth’s thoughts on her MBE here: https://bethbritton.com/2025/06/14/mbe-for-services-to-people-with-dementia-and-to-their-carers/
Frank Rothwell, a Philanthropist and Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK), has been awarded the OBE for charitable services to dementia research. Frank’s honour has been celebrated by ARUK, who describe how he raised over £1.4 million for Alzheimer’s Research UK here: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/frank-rothwell-awarded-obe-for-charitable-services-to-dementia-research/
Finally, Beverley Adey-Morgan, a Lead Business Analyst at the Department for Work and Pensions, has been honoured for services to people affected by dementia, and Emily Wilson, a Volunteer for Alzheimer’s Society and Chair of Dementia Friendly North Belfast, has been awarded a BEM for services to people living with dementia in Northern Ireland.
We send our warmest congratulations to all who’ve been honoured. You can read the full King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-kings-birthday-honours-list-2025