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Some of Liverpool’s unsung heroes have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s honours list.
Foster parents Peter and Gaye Jones, from Bootle, have been awarded the MBE in honour of their service to families.
The couple, who started fostering after spotting an advert in the local paper, have cared for more than 40 children over the last 36 years.
Mrs Jones, 63, said “To think that someone nominated us is a lovely thought. It makes us feel special.
“We have enjoyed every minute of being foster parents.
Mr Jones, 68, added: “It has not sunk in yet. We have had some gorgeous children.
“It’s the most enjoyable job and the proudest moment of being a foster parent is when a child is settled with you and they put their arm around you and they say, ‘I love you’. “
The couple, who discovered the news on their 45th wedding anniversary, will be presented with their MBEs at St James’s Palace in the summer.
Also commended in the New Year’s honours is Detective Chief Superintendent Brian McNeill, who led the inquiry into the murder of Rhys Jones.
Mr McNeill, who is head of the Force Crime Operations Unit, was acting head of the gun and gang crime ‘Matrix’ unit when Rhys was shot in August 2007.
He will be honoured with the Queen’s Police Medal in recognition of his 30-year career with the police force.
The QPM was also awarded to Merseyside’s assistant chief constable in charge of Area Operations, Helen King.
Deputy Chief Constable Bernard Lawson praised the pair, and said: “The Queens Police Medal is not given lightly and is usually awarded to those who are exceptional leaders.
“There is no doubt that over the years, both Helen and Brian have proven their ability to lead staff and help members of the community and I am delighted that they have been recognised in this way.
“This recognition is excellent news for both Helen and Brian and we are incredibly proud of them.”
Other Liverpudlians listed in the New Year’s honours are chartered accountant Alexis Redmond, wife of Professor Phil Redmond, who was awarded an MBE for services to the community in Merseyside.
Mrs Redmond, 55, is a trustee of the Alder Hey Imagine Appeal, Liverpool John Moores University and National Museums Liverpool, and holds the new role of Ambassador Patron at FACT.
Headmaster of the Wavertree-based Royal School for the Blind, Joe Byrne, also received an OBE after 20 years in charge at the school.
Scientist Professor Philip Woodworth, of Liverpool’s National Oceanographic Centre, was awarded the MBE for services to science.
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