Penrith Man Awarded MBE as HM The King’s 2025 Birthday Honours Announced

It has today been announced that the following Cumbrian residents have received a UK honour in HM The King’s honours list. 

Among the list of honours in Cumbria is Robert Walker, from Penrith wo has received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Neurodiversity

Robert has worked for Defra for over 33 years and is the Neurodiversity Network Founder within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Honours system gives national recognition to people who have given exceptional service in public and community life and are committed to making a difference to those around them the list of recipients of honours in the kings birthday honours list for 2025 are:


Knights Bachelor - Knighthoods

Professor Vernon Charles GIBSON CB FRS for services to Science and to Defence

Order of the British Empire - Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Mr Paul CALDWELL for services to Agriculture and to Rural Areas

Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Mr Richard Alan WARREN for services to Mountain Rescue in Cumbria and the Lake District

Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)

Mr Nicholas James BARRETT for services to Outdoor Education

Mr James Matthew BATCHELOR for services to Technology for Older People

Mr John Rodger CAIRNS for services to Public Transport

Mr Douglas KERR for services to Aviation Heritage

Mr Mark TODD for services to Sailing and to Young People

Mr Robert WALKER for services to Neurodiversity

Mr Jeremy Richard WILSON for services to Indoor Climbing


Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)

Mrs Margaret HARTLEY for services to the community in West Cumbria

Mr Nigel Robert LISTER for services to the Nuclear Industry and to Mountain Rescue

Miss Marjorie Anne NICHOLSON for services to the Arts and to the community in Barrow in Furness

Mr Kevin WALSH for services to the community in Carlisle, Cumbria


Anyone can nominate someone for a UK Honour through the 'open access' system and awards are given to people from all walks of life.

The final decision as to who receives an honour is first decided by an Honours Committee and their recommendations go to the Prime Minister and finally to HM The King for approval. The process can take up to 18 months with recipients of honours announced in HM The King’s New Year’s Honours List and Birthday Honours List.

Nomination forms and advice on how to complete them are available through the Cumbria Lieutenancy website.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr. Alexander Scott congratulates all the award winners:

“It’s a moment of great pride for our county to see so many Cumbrian residents recognised in HM The King’s Birthday Honours. I’m especially pleased by the number of recipients this year, it reflects the depth of commitment, compassion and service that runs through our communities.

“Being awarded an Honour is a truly significant achievement, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those named. Each of them has gone above and beyond, often without seeking any recognition, and their dedication is an inspiration to us all.

“I would also encourage everyone to think about who they might nominate in the future. The Honours system depends on public nominations, and by putting someone forward, you help ensure their extraordinary contributions are seen, celebrated and valued.”

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