Cornwall Air Ambulance’s vice president, Barbara Sharples, was awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List.
Sharples, who initially served as a trustee for Cornwall Air Ambulance from 2017, was then appointed the chair of the New Heli Appeal board which raised £2.9 million towards the cost of purchasing the charity’s first AW169 helicopter.
She also founded and was an active member of the charity’s London Committee which engages with supporters outside of the county with connections to Cornwall.
Sharples also launched Cornwall Air Ambulance’s ambassador programme, introducing celebrity ambassadors including Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan. She has since been appointed Vice President of Cornwall Air Ambulance and is also the founder and chair of the Philanthropy Forum, which comprises high profile fundraisers who generate around £400k each year for Cornwall Air Ambulance.
Cornwall Air Ambulance’s Chief Executive, Tim Bunting said: “We are absolutely delighted that Barbara has been awarded an MBE. She has worked tirelessly not only for Cornwall Air Ambulance but also for many other businesses and charities at a senior level over many years.”
Other Cornish recipients of New Year’s Honours include Merlin Cinemas founder, Geoff Greaves, who was also awarded an MBE, for his services to the cinemas sector.
Under Greaves’ leadership, Merlin Cinemas has grown from one cinema in Penzance in 1990 to 19 locations across the UK, with a new venue in the pipeline for 2025.
A spokesperson for Merlin said: “This prestigious honour reflects the dedication Geoff has shown to Cinema and the often historic buildings they sit within over the last 40 years. From the early days of Merlin Cinemas to where we stand today, Geoff has been a driving force, inspiring us all with his passion to save and operate cinemas, all to bring the magic of cinema to as many communities as possible.”
