This year Les was awarded an MBE for services to people with myositis. This represents recognition for the many years of dedicated work given not only by Les but also by Irene, their family and friends and many other supporters of the group in the UK and overseas.

Although many things contribute towards the success of the group, three issues stand out over the last two decades.

1. The support group provides patient-focussed literature, telephone support and, more recently web-based support for patients and their carers with myositis. The support group, though based in the Southampton area, provides national support. Its annual meetings enable patients to learn of new developments and interact with healthcare professionals with expertise in the field.
2. The group has raised substantial sums of money, in excess of £1/2million, from charitable donations, to enable research projects to be initiated in this relatively under-researched medical condition.
3. Les and the group have involved senior medical staff and other healthcare professionals to ensure there is ongoing research on myositis. This has included not only enabling international meetings involving leading experts but also creating an environment in which national clinical trials can flourish.

I always find the essays for Francis Bacon, one of the greatest of English philosophers, stimulating to read. One of their most uplifting concepts opens the essay “On Adversity” - the good things, which belong to prosperity, are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired. I have no doubt that when Les and Irene started the support group it was at a time of adversity for themselves and their family. Yet they have helped create an organisation that gives support and hope to others at critical times in their lives.

Honours are individual rather than communal, but I am sure Les is the first to realise that his MBE reflects the work of many others, particularly the support and encouragement of Irene and also the selfless ethos of many in the group.

I am delighted with this award and look forward to the continuing success of the support group. As a clinician I think there is nothing more important than patients and their carers being engaged in understanding rare diseases like myositis. I have very much enjoyed being involved and have no doubt the group will continue to make significant contributions to myositis in the UK. - David L Scott

“I was delighted to hear of your MBE. It is thoroughly well deserved.” - Dr Michael Rose (Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Neurology, King's College Hospital)

“Can’t think of anyone more deserving. Well done to the pair of you. – Shelia and Barry

“Congratulations on your most well deserved MBE.” – Liz and Jeremy

“I was delighted to see the announcement of your award in the New Year’s Honours List. It is splendid that your achievements have been recognised in this way and the award is well deserved. Many congratulations.” - Alan Johnson (Secretary of State for Health)

“Well done on being awarded an MBE. Richly deserved for your and Irene's past and continuing work and dedication. Without you two I doubt whether the Myositis Support Group UK would be in existence today. I'm really pleased you've been officially acknowledged...you deserve it. Great news.” - Graham Waltham

“Many congratulations Les, as others have said it is certainly a very worthy award. It is wonderful to know that people like you are recognised for all your hard work and dedication. Well done.” - Val and John

“Congratulations, you deserve it.” - Sue and Dennis

“Congratulations to you both on the MBE.” - Dr Robert Cooper (Consultant and Honorary Senior Lecturer in Rheumatology, Manchester University)

“I’ve just heard the fantastic news that Her Majesty has recognised all your hard work with an MBE. Many congratulations, it couldn’t be more deserved. The work, effort and thought that you put in and what you have achieve.” – Clive

“That is fantastic, well deserved, good for you Les, well done! Credit where it's due and thank you for everything you do they broke the mould when they made you!” - Jules.

“It’s good to hear of someone who really deserved recognition instead of the usual riff raff who have done no more than appear on the box. Congratulations.” – Mick and Wendy

“Congratulations, well done” – Steve and Kate

“Congratulation on the award, well deserved” - Dr Lucy Wedderburn and Team (Juvenile Dermatomyositis Research Centre, Great Ormond Street Hospital)

“An MBE, well done” – Mick and Sue

“Happy New Year and congratulations on your recent award! We Google “myositis” daily and word of your award reached our inbox. The work that you have done since 1985 is amazing; growing your support group to more than 700 people is a big achievement. If you haven’t already heard, this year, TMA celebrates 15 years of working to cure myositis (a little shy of your 22 years). Looking at the next 15 years, I hope that supporters from all over the world will continue to work together, doing what they can, to help those battling with myositis, as you have done. Many more successful years to come. Please keep me informed if there is anything I can do to be of assistance.” - Quineesa Smith (The Myositis Association, USA)

“Congratulations! A fitting reward for all your hard work and that of your family. Without you a lot of people would be much worse off emotionally and physically. Long may you continue this great work.” - Jen and Terry

“Congratulations on your MBE” – Chris and Colin

“”A well deserved award for a big effort. We know how hard you both have worked. Congratulations.” – Tony and Rosemary

“Congratulations Les for your very well-deserved recognition and I hope you and Irene have a grand time with the Queen and continue the great work you are doing there.” – Dr Fred Miller (National Institute of Health, USA)

“What a super achievement for you both and your family. Including all of the Myositis support group. Maybe we will start to be recognised now.” - Joy and Mervyn

“Congratulations Les, well deserved.” - Bob and Shirley

“At last, the recognition for you and Irene that has been earned over the many years that you have dedicated to your Charity.” John & Cris

“Congratulations - and thanks.” – Jacquie

“Congratulations. Thank you for all you do for us Les, and your family also. Well done!” – Val and Derek

“Very many congratulations on your award in the New Year’s Honours List. I read all the citations so know how much this honour is deserved. I am sure that it will be widely welcomed.” – Hugh Taylor (Permanent Secretary, Department of Health)

“I was absolutely delighted to read about your MBE! It is very well deserved and a big ‘thank you’ from me for all your hard work.” – Jenny

“Congratulations, Les on receiving your MBE; an award hugely deserved.” – Pam

“Congratulations. No-one deserves it more (except maybe Irene!).” – Margaret and Bruce

“In a world where only the loud and the brash seem to walk off with the accolades it really is satisfying to see one of life’s true unsung heroes get recognised for all the years of dedication to a cause and unswerving single mindedness to succeed. Fantastic, well done.” - Dudley and Shelia

“Congratulations a well deserved honour.” - Kirsty

“Many congratulations on the MBE, so well deserved for all the years of hard work that you do as a family & to just keep chipping away at that very high myositis brick wall. Well done!” – Jo and Mike Goode

“Congratulations on your MBE. Well deserved.” – Len and June

“Congratulations to Les on this well deserved honour . I've only been a member a short while but I have found it invaluable. Whenever I've had a problem someone has been here to help and guide me, without this support group life would have been a lot tougher the past few months . A big thank you and well done Les!” – Sharon

“Absolutely brilliant! Congratulations on your recognition and achievement.” – David and Lynn

“Well done Les, fantastic news.” – Jill

Everyone here would like to congratulate Les and yourself on his MBE. What a fantastic New Year's present. - Yvonne and Terry.

“Congratulations on being recognised for the hard work you both have put in over the years.” – Audrey and Eddie

“Congratulations to you Les how richly you deserve the Honour, I remember so well all those years ago when I was at a Workshop in Hope Hospital and on a tea break I spoke to a lady who worked for a Rheumatologist at a well known Manchester hospital, She told me about your Support Group, very timidly I phoned you and you were very sympathetic to me and you handed me over to Irene who spoke to me at great length about lotions and potions, and about Paula who was very young. I cannot think of anyone who is so deserving of this great Honour and how much you have helped Myositis Patients. I am sure you will get the word out to the general public. It would be remiss if I did not salute you, Irene, Paula and all the Drs who have been instrumental at making your conferences so interesting. So may I send my love to Lord and Lady Oakley and Paula and may the New Year bring you all Goods Blessings.” - Leila and Cyril

“Many congratulations, well deserved.” – Lindy and Roger

“Congratulations Les - it is well deserved.” - Anne

“Congratulations on your well deserved honour. Well done.” – Ray and Lesley

“You really deserved this honour for all the countless hours, days, weeks and years that you’ve worked so hard to keep the Myositis Charity going. As a result not only your lovely daughter Paula has seen the benefit of your relentless hard work but also many others. If anyone deserves an MBE it is you. If it was up to us you would have been knighted years ago!” – Pete and Karen

“Many congratulations on this honour to a well deserved recipient. Both you and Irene have worked so hard and I am proud to add my congratulations.” – Tony

“Many congratulations and well deserved.” – Roger and Phyl

“Many congratulations on your MBE. Very well deserved. Shame Irene and Paula couldn’t get one too, but hopefully it will give the Support Group a higher profile now. Many thanks to all of you for your hard work.” – Maggie

“Well deserved to both of you.” - Rod and Rosemarie

“Congratulations on your MBE, fully deserved.” – Robert

“Congratulations to Les for this wonderful Honour. Well deserved and great recognition for lots of hard work. Three Cheers for Les... Hip Hip Hooray...” – Christine

“Congratulations, on a well deserved achievement.” – Alan and Jane

“Great news about your award. Congratulations and very well done.” – Hilary and Jack

”Many congratulations on your MBE, jolly well deserved.” – Molly

“Congratulations and well done. The world is a better place with people like you in it.” – Brian and Margaret

“Congratulations to you Les on having been awarded the MBE in the New Year's honours list. This was well deserved. You and Irene have worked tirelessly for the Myositis Support Group.” - Gwynneth

“Congratulations on receiving the MBE.” – Julia and Andrew

“Congratulations. You and your wife have devoted much of your spare time over the last 12 years that I know of, to giving care and advice to many sufferers and their carers, to extending and promoting knowledge about this little known disease and organizing charity funds to assist in finding a cure. I wish to add my thanks for the dedication you have given to myositis cause. Well done.” - Audrey

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