Leading Ashfield ambassador awarded MBE

A champion of sport for people with disabilities and an ambassador for Ashfield has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.

Pete Edwards, Chair of the Ashfield Health and Wellbeing Partnership, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

The 70-year-old, who also sits on the Discover Ashfield Board, has played an active role in the district for many years, sitting on various panels and groups.

Pete said he was absolutely thrilled when a letter arrived from the Cabinet Office informing him of the honour.

“I was gobsmacked, it’s such an honour and I’m extremely humbled and proud to be nominated for such an accolade.”

Pete, who grew up in South Yorkshire, overcame a hip condition which affected the way he walked and his lower spine as a child. The father of two sons and a daughter, and grandfather of three grandchildren, got a job as a miner but tragically lost a leg in a traumatic accident in 1989.

A year later he moved to Ashfield and soon became a leading advocate for disabled sport. He played amputee football for Yorkshire and Humberside, swam for Sherwood Seal Swimming club - retiring as a regional champion- and played wheelchair basketball for 18 years.

In 2001 Pete was offered a job in sport becoming swimming coach. It led to him becoming heavily involved in disabled sport supporting athletes with disabilities.

He said:

“I’ve had the privilege of working with many fantastic people, seeing them develop as athletes and help change their lives. It’s been both inspiring and rewarding.”

Ashfield District Council leader, Cllr Jason Zadrozny, said:

"No one deserves this accolade more than Pete. I have known him for more than twenty years and in that time he has been a fabulous ambassador for Ashfield.

“His work with disabled sport is truly inspirational given the challenges he himself has had to overcome in his life. I’m thrilled for him and his family.”