Cancer support volunteer 'honoured' to be made MBE

A cancer survivor who has been central in improving services on the Isle of Man is among six Manx residents to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours List.

Julie Stokes, who founded the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group after her own diagnosis, said she was "absolutely honoured" to have been made an MBE for her service to other patients.

President of Tynwald Laurence Skelly has been made an OBE in recognition of his service to Manx culture, while Gerald Callister has been awarded the BEM for his outstanding community service.

Jennifer Houghton has been made an MBE for services to business and the community, while the chief fire officer and ambulance service head have also been recognised.

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Through the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, Ms Stokes has mobilised volunteers, clinicians and the wider public to improve the support for patients.

In 2012, she led the creation of a breast unit at Noble's Hospital, fundraising £1.5m and working closely on its design and construction before later going on to establish Mannin Cancers, helping a range of patients.

"I never expected it at all, as a volunteer fundraiser, you don't do it for that reason, but it is absolutely lovely to get the MBE," she said.

"I am really lucky I am part of a fabulous team of girls, and the founders of the charities have all been touched by cancer - so that is what drives us - to help make things better."

Ms Stokes has championed quiet rooms at transport hubs and has been central to the new £1.5 million Cancer Support and Information Centre at Noble's Hospital, set to open on Monday.

"I have known a couple of weeks and it has been really hard to keep it to myself," she said.

Mr Skelly, beyond his parliamentary career, has championed the island's creative sector, promoted Manx cultural identity and supported the growth in education of the Manx language.

A member of the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann for 30 years, as well as a founding trustee of Rushen Heritage Trust, he has shown community support and a commitment to preserving local heritage and culture, Government House said in its citation.

He also promoted Manx culture and economic opportunities while he lived in the United States as he undertook ambassadorial roles for the Isle of Man government.

An alter server for 66 years, and Church Warden and Liturgical Assistant at Rushen Parish, Mr Callister has also served as a Port Erin Commissioner for over 21 years.

He was described by Government House as "widely known and respected throughout Port Erin, has dedicated decades of his life to serving the local community, the church, and the Isle of Man as a whole".

On receiving the honour he said he was "humbled to be honoured in this way".

"I think other people are as deserving as me, " he said, adding, "I was Co-Op manager for 50 years in Port Erin and Port St Mary, so I have been seen in the community, whereas other people don't get seen and they do such a lot of work."

Ms Houghton has been recognised for her leadership in the island's business and charitable sector, having co-founded international gaming firm Anexio in 2011 and played a prominent role in the Institute of Directors.

She has also been chairman and trustee of the Diana, Princess of Wales, Hospice Care at Home Trust, leading fundraising efforts securing over £1.4m for palliative care services.

During the coronavirus pandemic she was also involved in the Manx Solidarity Fund, which raised £700,000 to support families and businesses.

The island chief fire officer, Mark Christian, has been awarded the King's Fire Medal in recognition of over 30 years service,

Mr Christian was praised as someone who "exemplifies the values of the modern fire and rescue service" and who had "served the Isle of Man with unwavering dedication, professionalism and distinction".

Head of Manx Care's Ambulance Service, Will Bellamy, has been awarded the King's Ambulance Medal after more than 20 years of service in the profession.

He has been recognised for being "instrumental" in transforming the service and developing advanced practitioner roles which "enhanced the quality, accessibility and resilience of urgent and emergency care".

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