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Alumni recognised in the 2025 King's New Year Honours

15 January 2025

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi
Professor Sir Bashir Al-Hashimi (MSc 1986)

The University is proud to celebrate the achievements of its alumni who have been recognised in the 2025 King's New Year Honours.

Former CRUK Chair Professor Leszek Borysiewicz (BSc 1972, MBBCh 1975, Hon 2006) received a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire for services to cancer research, to clinical research, to medicine and to charities.

Gerald Davies CBE (Hon 2008), former Welsh Rugby Union President and Wales and British and Irish Lions wing, was awarded a knighthood for services to Rugby Union in Wales.

TV personality and presenter Stephen Fry (Hon 2010), who is also President of charity Mind, was awarded a knighthood for services to broadcasting, drama, and charity.

Professor Bashir Al-Hashimi CBE (MSc 1986), Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at King’s College London, was awarded a knighthood for services to engineering and education.

Ruth Marks MBE (BA 1982) was awarded a CBE for services to the voluntary sector in Wales. She is the former CEO of the Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

Jan Williams OBE (MBA 1994), Chair of Swansea Bay University Health Board, was awarded a CBE for public service.

Air Commodore James Savage OBE (BSc 1990) was awarded a CBE.

Journalist Rebecca Thomson (PgDip 2005) was awarded an OBE for services to justice, for her role in breaking the Post Office scandal news story.

Professor David Blaney (EdD 2005), former CEO of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, was awarded an OBE For services to higher education.

Paul Hudson (MSc 1971) was awarded an OBE for services to town planning.

Dr Christopher Martin (BPharm 1980) was awarded an OBE for services to the maritime and port sector.

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan (MD 2007), Consultant Neurosurgeon at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, was recognised with an MBE for services to neurosurgery.

Helen Bonnick (BScEcon 1980) who is a specialist working in child to parent abuse, was awarded an MBE for services to families.

Paralympic medallist Dimitri Coutya (CertHE 2019) was recognised with an MBE for services to fencing.

Rodney Arnold (BScTech 1989) was awarded an MBE for services to polar science and aviation in the British Antarctic Territory.

Professor Clare Wilkinson (MBBCh 1980, MD 1996), Emeritus Professor of General Practice at Bangor University was awarded an MBE for services to primary care research, teaching, and practice.

Lee Wong (PGCE/PCET 2005) was recognised with an MBE for services to the Welsh Blood Service.

Dr Andrew Feyi-Waboso (LLM 2001), founder of Sight 2020 Direct, was awarded an MBE for services to international eyecare in Malawi and Nigeria.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Rabbitt (BSc 2005) was awarded an MBE.

Dr Marion Andrews-Evans (DHS 2013) was recognised with a BEM for services to nursing, health, and care services.

We are so proud of our Cardiff alumni community and extend a huge congratulations to all those who have been recognised for their dedication and achievements.

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