Three female players from England’s World Cup team have been acknowledged in the New Year’s honors list, alongside the charitable efforts of former rugby league players Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow.

Millie Bright, serving as team captain in the absence of fellow defender Leah Williamson, was awarded an OBE. Goalkeeper Mary Earps and forward Lauren Hemp were both recognized with MBEs. Earps was also recently named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

England narrowly missed out, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Spain in the Sydney final after securing the European Championship title in 2022.

Sinfield and Burrow, who were Leeds Rhinos teammates during trophy-laden rugby league careers, have received CBEs for services to motor neurone disease awareness.

Sinfield has collected more than £15 million since his companion Burrow was determined to have MND, a disease that is both incurable and life-restricting, in December 2019. This month, the 43-year-old Sinfield accomplished the “7 in 7 in 7” feat by finishing seven ultramarathons in seven different cities in just as many days.

Sinfield stated that it is noteworthy that Rob has once again been acknowledged. He commended the bravery and determination displayed by Rob and his incredible family as they battle MND. By opening up their experiences to the public, he has shown remarkable strength.

I am happy to announce that my close friend, Kevin Sinfield, will also be receiving a CBE. I am looking forward to the opportunity for us to attend the palace together in the upcoming year and share another special moment.

Rob Wainwright, a fundraiser for MND, will be awarded an OBE. Wainwright is the creator of the Doddie Aid fundraiser, which generates donations for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

In 2016, Doddie Weir, a former rugby union teammate of Wainwright’s from Scotland, was diagnosed with MND. Unfortunately, he passed away in November of last year.

Wainwright expressed, “It is a great privilege and I graciously accept it on behalf of the entire Doddie Aid community. Doddie was a remarkable individual and I was honored to have him as a friend. He inspired and motivated all who knew him, including myself, to take action in the fight against MND.”

Sir Bill Beaumont, the chairman of World Rugby, has recently been awarded the honor of Knight Grand Cross.

Peter Shilton, who has made the most appearances for the England men’s team with 125 games played from 1970 to 1990, is awarded a CBE for his contributions to football and efforts in preventing gambling harm.

The chair and head of development for the anti-discrimination organization Kick It Out, Sanjay Bhandari and Troy Townsend, have both been awarded MBEs. Howard Wilkinson, who successfully led Leeds to the First Division title in 1992 and briefly served as caretaker manager for England, has been given an OBE. The former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has also been honored with an OBE for their contributions to charity.

Vinai Venkatesham, the CEO of Arsenal, is awarded an OBE, while Tony Bloom, the chairman of Brighton, receives an MBE. Jeff Stelling, a former presenter for Sky Sports, is also made an MBE for his contributions to sports, broadcasting, and charitable causes. Hazel Irvine, a sports presenter for BBC, is also recognized with the same honor.

Stuart Broad was awarded a CBE. He declared his retirement from cricket during the last Ashes Test in the summer and ended his career with a remarkable performance, hitting a six on his final ball and securing the winning wicket as England tied the series at the Oval.

Marcus Trescothick, a former English cricketer who appeared in 76 Test matches, is being awarded an OBE for his contributions to mental health issues. He currently serves as a mental health ambassador for the Professional Cricketers’ Association.

Christian Horner, the leader and top executive of Red Bull Racing, has been granted an OBE for his contributions to motor sports following another successful year of winning the world championship. Ron Dennis, the ex-leader of McLaren, has been knighted for his charitable services.

Gymnasts Becky and Ellie Downie, England netball player Helen Housby, and race-walker Tom Bosworth have been awarded MBEs. Maddie Hinch, who won a gold medal in Olympic hockey in 2016, has been honored with an OBE.

Source: theguardian.com