Three inspirational individuals who were recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 for their exceptional service to the community have officially received their British Empire Medals (BEM) at a special presentation held at County Hall in Glenfield.
The awards were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, during a ceremony on Monday afternoon.
Picture credit: Leicestershire County Council
The recipients were:
- Katie Lynch, for services to children and families. Mrs Lynch operates Allexton Day Nursery in Leicester, where she has created an inclusive environment that welcomes children of all backgrounds and abilities. Her longstanding dedication to supporting families has had a lasting impact on countless lives across the community.
- Karen Setchell, for services to animal welfare and sustainability. Ms Setchell previously led the facilities management team at Loughborough University, earning national recognition for sustainability initiatives — including awards from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society and the internationally recognised Green Flag scheme. She continues to champion animal welfare causes through various community projects.
- Derek Windybank, for services to the community in west Leicestershire. Mr Windybank was a founding member of the West Leicestershire Community First Responder Group in 2011 and remained an active volunteer until 2022. Even after stepping back from frontline duties, he has continued to support the group’s vital work.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lord-Lieutenant Mike Kapur praised the recipients for their dedication: “I am delighted to present these honours to three Leicestershire residents who have dedicated themselves to the wellbeing of their communities.
Their wonderful and selfless contributions have been rightly recognised, and it was a real pleasure and privilege for me, in my role as Lord-Lieutenant, to present these honours on behalf of His Majesty the King.
It is always heartening to gather and celebrate the very best examples of community stalwarts in Leicestershire.”
The British Empire Medal recognises individuals for their hands-on service to the local community and is awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.
