Founding members of the Newcastle MIC’s insight panel for patients, public and carers receive MBEs in Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours marked the extraordinary contributions and service of people across the UK. We are delighted to share that John and Joan Bedlington’s accomplishments were recognised in the 2022 Birthday Honours List.

John and Joan helped to establish LIVErNORTH, a national support group for patients with liver disease. This UK registered charity, based in Newcastle, supports vital research. The couple were key figures during the development of the LIVErNORTH research laboratories at Newcastle University. They also helped to establish the LIVErNORTH flat. Located in Beechwood House, at the Freeman Hospital, the flat is available for families of people with liver disease and others who might need to stay nearby. John and Joan are now chair and honorary treasurer respectively. Joan maintains and administers the LIVErNORTH Research Register, a list of people willing to be involved in research relating to liver disease. Read more about their achievements.

Alongside their amazing work at LIVErNORTH, both John and Joan were instrumental in the formation of our insight panel for patients, public and carers in 2020. John is still a member of the panel and supports the NIHR Newcastle MIC with all of our activities alongside his other responsibilities.

Congratulations to John and Joan from the whole NIHR Newcastle MIC team!