Roger Smith, Hounslow resident and Chair of the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group, has been recognised as one of the newly created Coronation Champions by The King and Queen Consort, in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service. Roger is one of five hundred Coronation Champions who have been recognised for their significant contributions to their communities.
Roger is a very active local resident who devotes much of his time to working with local groups and individuals, and he has been instrumental in growing the membership of the Hounslow Borough Respiratory Support Group.
He is the co-chair of London Borough of Hounslow Disability and Equality Group which brings together third sector partners from across the borough to discuss and act on areas of concern for older and disabled members of the community. He is also Chair of the Hounslow Health Primary Care Network Patient Participation Group which enables him to feedback direct patient experience when helping to shape health services within the borough, and more widely across Northwest London.
Roger said: “I am delighted that I have been chosen to receive this award and feel honoured to have been recognised. I have only ever wanted to make things better for local people and feel that this is as much an award for all those who I work with as it is for me. Thank you to all those that put forward my nomination.”
Niall Bolger, Chief Executive of Hounslow Council, said:
“To be recognised as a Coronation Champion is an incredible achievement. Roger’s enthusiasm and selfless commitment within his community is remarkable and his continued dedication on working to improve services for local people is inspirational to us all.
“We are very lucky to have him as a resident within our borough and I would like to thank him on behalf of all our colleagues at Hounslow Council whose work he supports.”
Councillor Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Adult And Health Integration, said: “Roger’s passion and determination knows no bounds. He puts the needs of residents and the wider community first, at all times. I know that my fellow Councillors wish him a huge congratulations on this wonderful achievement.”
Anne Stratton, Director of Hounslow’s Borough Based Partnership, said:“Roger is one of those people who is always there, always championing the concerns of local people. We are very lucky to have such a committed individual locally. I know that I speak for all those who work in the Borough Based Partnership when I say that this is a very well-deserved award.”
Rob Hurd, Chief Executive of NHS North West London, said:
“I am delighted that Roger has been recognised for his work in Hounslow. Because of local champions like Roger our work to improve services for local people is so much more grounded in reality. I look forward to Roger continuing to contribute to the variety of projects he is involved in both locally in Hounslow as well as more widely across NW London.”
Amit Gupta, Medical Director for NHS North West London in Hounslow said:
“Roger has made such an incredible contribution to the respiratory programme in Hounslow. His dedication and commitment to ensuring that services are developed in ways that continue to meet the needs of local residents has been an inspiration.”
Martin Waddington, Borough Director for the NHS North West London in Hounslow said:
“I have worked with Roger for many years and have seen his dedication, enthusiasm and commitment at first hand. I am so pleased that this has all been recognised through this award. Congratulations.”