Warrington safeguarding nurse awarded MBE from His Majesty King Charles

A safeguarding nurse from North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded an MBE for her services to the military at an investiture ceremony held at Windsor Castle.

Emma Grimshaw, a Captain in the Army Reserves and Warrington’s named nurse for safeguarding and children in care, was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in New Years Honours List and was officially presented with the award by His Majesty King Charles. 

Emma received her MBE as recognition for her work to safeguard vulnerable children and families during Operation Lazurite, a highly complex operation to safely relocate and resettle displaced families from across Afghanistan. 

Emma, who lives in Wigan, spent time speaking to King Charles about her work and described the moment she was presented with her MBE as a ‘humbling’ experience. 

Emma said: “Attending Windsor Castle and being presented with an MBE by His Majesty the King was an incredibly proud moment. It was a day that I will never forget.”

Having worked as an NHS nurse for more than 15 years, Emma’s expertise in safeguarding and care for those most vulnerable in society made her the perfect candidate to support families, many of whom have experienced severe trauma as a result of conflict. 

As part of the operation, Emma was released from her NHS role to provide Afghan families with housing support and help to integrate into society on a military base before they moved into a permanent home.  

Emma continued; “While it is a personal honour to receive this award, I see it very much as a reflection of the remarkable people I have worked alongside throughout my NHS and military careers. Safeguarding vulnerable children and families, both in my civilian role and during Operation Lazurite, has always been about teamwork, compassion and a commitment to making a difference to people's lives.

“Standing in such historic surroundings and reflecting on the families, colleagues and military personnel who have been part of this journey made me feel immensely proud, but also very humbled by the recognition. I am so grateful for the support of my family, colleagues and all those involved throughout both my civilian work and military service, whose encouragement, guidance and belief in me made this possible.”

Ali Kennah, chief nurse for North Cheshire and Mersey, added: “We are incredibly proud of Emma’s achievement and the recognition she has received for this important work.”