BEM for Pat Child

Monday 17 October 2022

One of the recipients of the Queen's last Birthday Honours has received her British Empire Medal at a special ceremony at Government House.

Pat Child was awarded her BEM for her services to the health and voluntary sectors in Guernsey.

Queen Elizabeth II made such awards to mark each birthday and each New Year of her 70 year reign,until her death at the age of 96 in September.

Pictured: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Guernsey in 2005 (Chris George).

Mrs Child was awarded her BEM at Goverment House on Saturday morning. The special ceremony was attended by 30 people including island officials and Mrs Child's family, friends and colleagues. 

His Excellency, the Lieutenant Governor made the presentation.

Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell said he was pleased to do so. 

"The British Empire Medal recognises activity and contributions that have made a significant difference within the community, so I am delighted to present this award on behalf of His Majesty The King.

"Pat’s energy and compassion for her fellow islanders have improved the lives of so many throughout the Bailiwick."

Pictured: Pat Child BEM (centre right) with Louise Cripwell (centre left) and other ladies at Government House last week for the launch of Bright Tights day 2022.

Mrs Child moved to Guernsey from the UK to teach infants in 1974, becoming Deputy Head Teacher of Vale Infant School and Head Teacher of Hautes Capelles Infant School.

She took a new appointment in retirement as the island wide Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) Coordinator and Early Years Advisor. Mrs Child was one of the founding members of Home-start Guernsey, serving both as a trustee and a volunteer. She was also instrumental in creating Guernsey Cancer Support, which operates across the Bailiwick.

She later launched Bright Tights, initially offering her own individual support and friendship to sufferers of gynaecological cancers before establishing the group as a Guernsey charity.

Mrs Child volunteered as a trained facilitator for Guernsey’s first Help to Overcome Problems Effectively (H.O.P.E.) programme, run by Macmillan Cancer Support and HSC. In addition, she is a volunteer leader for Guernsey’s Walking for Health scheme, an active member of the Inner Wheel Club of Guernsey and was one of the founding members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) in the Island.

Bags of colour at this morning's Bright tights breakfast! Get ready for Bright Tights Day on Friday 4 November 2022. Lovers of loud legwear, this one's for YOU! @brighttights #brighttightsguernsey https://t.co/OVLUBAekle https://t.co/X8L0hgK2RU pic.twitter.com/D7ebMx1fTI

— Gov House Guernsey (@GvHouseGuernsey) October 13, 2022

Anyone can make a nomination for an award in the Order of the British Empire by contacting the Bailiff's Chambers and requesting an Honours Nomination form.

The forms can also be downloaded at governmenthouse.gg.