Congratulations to Tom

Congratulations to Tom Yendell on his OBE award

We are absolutely delighted to congratulate Tom Yendell on his award of an OBE.

Tom commented, “This award is to honour me with the presentation of the award of Officer of the British Empire (OBE) in the Birthday Honours List 2025.

“My citation will read ‘For services to Young People with Disabilities’.

“The award was announced in an official posting in the London Gazette (www.thegazette.co.uk) on Saturday, 14th June.

“As many of you will know, I started my volunteering with young people with disabilities in youth clubs whilst doing my Foundation Art Course in Hastings when I was nineteen years of age. I then became involved with Physically Handicapped and Able-bodied (Phab) Clubs whilst at Brighton University, doing my degree. I ran the Newick, Ringmer, and Lewes Phab Clubs, where I met my future wife, Lucy.

“Whilst at Brighton I became the Chairman of Treloar College Association, the Former Pupils Association for my former school in Hampshire.

“I have now held the Chairmanship for over 40 years!

“I am also Chairman of the MFPA Trust Fund for The Training of Disabled Children in the Arts, which gives grants for organisations and individuals to enable disabled children access to the Arts.

“My more recent work (2007!) with The Education and Book Appeal Ghana TEABAG Charity has encouraged young deaf students to attend the Mankoadze Vocational Skills College in Ghana, a college I founded in 2014.

“I am very honoured to receive this award and I am extremely happy to be recognised for volunteering that I have been very happy to do.”