In North Yorkshire, Stephen Redman, 65, from York, has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the families of children with cancer.
His son Rocky died in 2001 from neuroblastoma, and in 2007 Mr Redman joined the board of trustees at Candlelighters, a charity which supports children and families affected by childhood cancer across Yorkshire.
He said when he received the news, he thought it was a joke.
“I was absolutely gobsmacked,” he said.
“It took a couple of days to settle in and me and the wife had to keep it totally secret for almost a month.
“It is such an honour to be given this recognition of my work. I’m genuinely very grateful indeed.”
One of North Yorkshire’s most famous residents, former England manager Gareth Southgate, of Harrogate, has received a knighthood, making him Sir Gareth, for services to association football.
And one of North Yorkshire Council’s most senior officers, Stuart Carlton, has also been knighted.
As the corporate director for the children and young people’s service, Mr Carlton has been awarded the honour for his work and dedication in a career spanning 35 years.
Mr Carlton said he had been shocked but felt “extremely privileged” to be given the honour for services to children, young people and families.
He added: “I’m still in shock really, I just never expected that such a thing could happen. It’s a huge honour and I feel very humbled to receive it.”
