First the 800m gold medal at the Paris Olympics, then Sports Personality of the Year, now an MBE: it’s been quite a year for Atherton golden girl Keely Hodgkinson. New Year’s Eve is upon us and that means a fresh batch of MBEs, OBEs, CBEs, Knights and Dames have been revealed, and the list wouldn’t be quite right without out champ, Keely.
Whilst most of us are thinking about what to toast 2025 with, how much Charli XCX is enough on our playlist for tonight, and whether our eyes will even stay open until midnight, the amazing Keely Hodgkinson is basking in the glory of her brand new MBE. The MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire (you can understand why it’s shortened) – is given to people who have worked hard for their community over a long time and made a big difference.
This, of course, is true of Keely Hodgkinson, having worked at her running career since she was a child, representing Greater Manchester as part of Leigh Harriers, and ultimately reaping the rewards for Great Britain this year. 2024 has absolutely been the year of Keely, and she has been highlighted alongside other honourees in a variety of sectors who are all heroes in their own right.
From nurses and community leaders, to sportspeople, those who champion arts and culture, and charity campaigners, the New Year Honours award those who really deserve recognition. The likes of ex-England manager Gareth Southgate and national treasure Stephen Fry have been honoured with Knighthoods, alongside the iconic author Jacqueline Wilson receiving the rare Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire – a mouthful, but recognises her incredible service to literature. After all, she gave us Tracy Beaker.
Other Greater Manchester honourees include rugby league official and breast cancer campaigner Tony Martin, and para-cyclist Jaco van Gass, who along with Keely Hodgkinson represent our region proudly in the sporting field.
We say a huge congratulations to all of the honourees this year, especially our golden girl Keely Hodgkinson MBE – we can’t wait to see what else you achieve.
You can see the full New Year Honours list for 2025 here.