COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Those recognised include tireless fundraiser Michael Mogan and mental health nurse Alex Cotton



Several people from Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

They include Michael Mogan, a tireless fundraiser who played a key role in Coventry’s successful UK City of Culture bid.

Also recognised was Coventry mental health nurse Alex Cotton, who spearheaded a campaign to ‘get men talking’.

Both Mr Mogan and Ms Cotton were awarded MBEs.

Mr Mogan, who was awarded an MBE in recognition of his services to charity both in the UK and abroad, has helped to raise tens of millions of pounds for good causes – including the bid to be UK City of Culture.

He said he was humbled to be given the award after more than 25 years in the sector.

“I am proud and honoured to become an MBE,” he said.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect this and it is extremely humbling to be awarded by the Queen in this way.

“Having said that, as a Coventry City fan and Coventry Rugby Club supporter, as well as being part of the UK City of Culture team, I should be used to the winning feeling by now.”

Mr Mogan grew up in Wyken and attended St John Fisher and Cardinal Wiseman Schools before studying at Lanchester Polytechnic.

He began his career as a fundraiser in 1992 with the ExtraCare Charitable Trust where he was part of a team that raised millions of pounds.

Alex Cotton, a qualified mental health nurse and now a senior practitioner for the Street Triage Team at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust, was awarded an MBE for services to mental health.

She has been an influential driver and collaborator in two major initiatives within mental health services in Coventry and Warwickshire – the mental health awareness campaign ‘It Takes Balls to Talk’ and the Street Triage initiative.

Ms Cotton was one of a number of staff from Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust recognised in the honours list.

Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ashok Roy was awarded an OBE, Carol Peckham, general manager for integrated Community Services (ICS), was awarded an MBE and Marie Tait, a healthcare assistant with more than 40 years’ service to the NHS, was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM).

Dr Diana Owen, the formerly director the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in Stratford was awarded an OBE for services to culture and tourism.

Richard Heckford, chairman of Rugby Farmers’ Market was awarded a BEM for services to agriculture in the Midlands.

Also awarded a BEM was property developer Howard Rose, who was recognised for his fundraising efforts at Balsall Common Primary School on the edge of Coventry.