Celebrated in 2026 New Year Honours
By Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira - Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
The newly released New Year Honours List has shone a spotlight on those connected to Rutland and its surrounding areas, recognising two individuals whose dedication to healthcare and grassroots sport has made a lasting impact both locally and nationally.
From the highest levels of medical pathology to the local cricket creases of the East Midlands, these awards highlight the breadth of talent and service within our community.
A Damehood for Medical Excellence: Dr. Suzannah Claire Lishman, DBE
The most senior honor for the region goes to Dr. Suzannah Claire Lishman, who has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE).
Already a distinguished figure in the medical world, Dame Suzannah is the former President of The Association of Clinical Pathologists and has served as a Senior Advisor on Medical Examiners for the Royal College of Pathologists. Her DBE was awarded for her pivotal services to Improving the consistency and transparency of death certifications. Ensuring that lessons learned from medical data lead to better outcomes for patients across the UK.
Her work has been instrumental in modernising how the healthcare system reviews patient deaths, providing much-needed clarity for grieving families and strengthening the integrity of the NHS.
Honoured for a Lifetime in Sport: Geoffrey Hastings, BEM
Closer to home, the community is cheering for Geoffrey (Geoff) Hastings, a resident of nearby Stamford and a familiar face across the Rutland and Stamford cricket circuits. Mr. Hastings has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his tireless services to cricket.
For decades, Geoff has been a cornerstone of the local sporting scene. Whether through coaching, administration, or maintaining the local game's heritage, his commitment has ensured that cricket remains a vibrant part of life for residents of all ages. His recognition is a testament to the "unsung heroes" who keep community spirits high through the love of the game.
The New Year Honours are a time-honored tradition designed to recognise people who have committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.
For those interested in the full scope of this year's recognitions, the complete 2026 New Year Honours List is available via the Cabinet Office, detailing hundreds of stories of bravery, service, and achievement across the United Kingdom.
The official New Year Honours List 2026 was published by the Cabinet Office on December 29, 2025. You can access the full details through the following official government links:
New Year Honours List 2026 (GOV.UK) This page contains the complete searchable list of all 1,157 recipients and includes links to the list in both PDF and CSV formats.
The New Year Honours 2026 Collection A central hub for all related documents, including the High Awards list and the Overseas and International list.
The London Gazette (2026 Supplement): The official newspaper of record for the Crown, where the honours are formally gazetted as a permanent public record.
If you wish to nominate someone for a future honour, you can find instructions on the official nomination page. www.gov.uk/honours
