Old Westbournian receives the British Empire Medal

Recently we were delighted to receive some wonderful news and feedback from a proud parent about Old Westbournian, Damian Staples.

Damian received the British Empire Medal in the 2021 New Year Honours list for services to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic. He was a Senior School pupil at Westbourne from 2000 to 2005. Aged 32, he is now Manager of Communications at Rotherham Hospital and we can’t be more proud of his achievements.

He single-handedly ensured that staff at the Trust were kept fully informed of the changing situation as it broke out, providing emotional support and guidance to colleagues under stress, and offering to cover staff shortages – even continuing to work from home as he battled the virus himself. He took on additional duties, which included setting up and manning a staff Covid-19 helpline, providing information, support and a triage service to staff and family members who displayed symptoms of the virus, and booking people in for swab tests when required.

Damian’s time at Westbourne made its mark as his mother, Mrs Staples explained:

“Damian was in Mr Davey’s geography group. Whilst at Westbourne he gained an exhibition and his name was on one of the boards displayed in the hall. Following on from excellent guidance Damian studied Geography at Lancaster University and then a Master’s at Sheffield.
He is now Manager of Communications at Rotherham Hospital.

He was honoured in the Queens New Years Honours List and awarded a British Empire Medal. I have spent many proud moments at Westbourne watching Damian climb onto the stage to collect awards but to see the medal being pinned onto him, is a day we will never forget. My point of this email is to thank you, Mr Davey and all members of your staff involved in Damian’s education. The work ethic and all the other skills you help with have paid off.”

Mr Hicks, Headmaster said:

“We couldn’t be more proud of Damian for receiving the British Empire Medal. He showed resilience, determination and teamwork at a time of unprecedented challenge for the NHS. He’s a real example to Westbourne’s children of our own values of  excellence, inclusion, respect and resilience in action. We were delighted to learn about his honours and to know that Damian’s teachers at Westbourne were an inspiration for his academic career. Congratulations – keep in touch!”

We love to hear from our Old Westbournians – where they are and what they are doing. If you are an ex-pupil – or their family – with some news following your Westbourne Journey, email us at lharper@westbourneschool.co.uk
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Damian Staples, Old Westbournian