HEALTH worker Emma Leigh from Middlewich has been awarded with her MBE at Buckingham Palace.


Emma was awarded her MBE for services to public health and for work done to support veterans and offenders and visited the palace on Friday, January 30, for her official investiture by Prince Charles.


The NHS worker made the trip to the capital with her husband Glen Leigh and daughter Casey Leigh-Caple.


“The ceremony itself and the meeting with Prince Charles seemed to pass in a blur,” Emma said.


“Prince Charles seemed very genuine and interested to learn more about my work. He also thanked me for making a difference.


“All in all it was an amazing experience and I still feel very honoured and humbled to have been nominated.”


Emma has worked in the NHS for almost 10 years and has worked in a variety of roles, including working with inmates at HM Prison Styal, as well as supporting military veterans and their families.


Her former colleagues nominated her to be given the title of Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.


Emma joined the South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group in September 2013 to ensure that the patient and public voice is at the heart of all the CCG does.


Simon Whitehouse, chief executive of NHS South Cheshire CCG, said: “We are incredibly proud of Emma and her achievements.


“Her commitment to her role, her work ethic and self-drive to achieve is always above and beyond expectations.


“Emma is a real asset to the team and to the CCG as a whole, she always goes the extra mile to ensure the people of South Cheshire are getting the best opportunity to engage and have their voices heard.


“I am delighted she has been recognised for her achievements and feel proud to have her in the team.”