TRIO OF ISLANDERS NAMED IN KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2024

3 Islanders have been named in The King’s Birthday Honours List tonight (Friday), including community champion Steve Double. It can be revealed that Stephen Alexander Neil Double is to receive a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community in Ryde. The 63-year-old developed and initiated Project Geranium in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was an initiative to provide the elderly with plants to care for in their garden. With support of Age UK and the High Sheriff, over 500 plants were delivered. He also set up a postcard system and delivered via retail distributors to encourage those isolated and vulnerable to contact family and friends – he personally delivered over 5,000 cards. Steve works full time for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and is a long-term supporter of Aspire Ryde and Ventnor Fringe Festival. Also receiving a British Empire Medal is Helen Jean Britton from Totland Bay, for services to the community, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Phillip Edward Charles Lewis, from Shanklin, lately the President of Mouth Cancer Foundation, receives an MBE for services for the detection of oral cancer over more than 20 years. Dr Lewis runs the Avenue Road practice in Freshwater and in 2012 was voted in the Top 10 most influential people in dentistry.