Sean Wheeler, from Marlow has been awarded the British Empire Medal in recognition of his charitable and fundraising work in the local community.
Sean was presented with his award by the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, at a ceremony at the Milton Keynes Council Chamber on earlier this month.
Sean has volunteered with the HIV charity, Thames Valley Positive Support (TVPS) for the past 26 years. Sean started out working as a buddy in 1993, supporting people who were too ill to attend the centre and assisting them in day to day tasks. Over the years Sean’s role has grown and developed. He was invited to join the board of trustees, has held the post of vice chair and is currently the chair of the charity, having been in this post for the past 8 years.
Sean’s successful career in transforming businesses in the hospitality industry has kept him busy but it hasn’t stopped him using his free time to support the young and those experiencing challenge in the hospitality industry. He has served as a trustee for the Springboard Charity, which provides young people in the leisure, hospitality and tourist industry with advice and training. In addition, Sean is also on the board of the charity, Hospitality Action which helps people in the industry who have hit hard times to get back on their feet.
Sean told MyMarlow: “I am very humbled to be awarded the BEM and proud of the great work Thames Valley Positive Support does to support those living with HIV in the local area.”
Alongisde Sean, Trudie Bird from Milton Keynes was also awarded a BEM. Trudie has used her personal experience of the loss of a child and her passion for health and fitness to dedicate a great part of her life to supporting others and raising funds for charity.
Speaking at the event Sir Henry said: “Both these individuals have dedicated a huge part of their lives to helping others in a range of different ways. Their dedication, passion and enthusiasm for the work that they do must be applauded. It gives me the greatest pleasure to award them both with this formal recognition and to give personal thanks on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.”
