By Lewis Hamilton knighted in New Years honours list among Covid-19 heroes
Seven-time Formula One title winner, Lewis Hamilton, has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year honours list among an array of Covid heroes.
Hamilton has recently been in the news after saying his success over the last year had been inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.
He took the knee on the grid and wore anti-racism slogans during the motorsports season.
However, this year, nearly two thirds (65%) of honourees are everyday heroes, with Covid-19 mentioned 228 times.
Among the recipients are unsung heroes who have battled to save lives and keep the NHS afloat, to those who have kept the country smiling by spreading kindness.
This year’s list is reportedly the most diverse to date, with 14.2% of those honoured coming from black or minority ethnic backgrounds, while 6.9% have a disability and 4% identify as LGBTQ.
The efforts of those such as community leader Ravi Bhanot, critical care consultant Dr Tamas Szakmany and Oldham’s youth mayor Samah Khalik are among the Covid-19 heroes on this years list.
Also included in the list of honours is Kim Leadbeater, sister of murdered MP Jo Cox, who has been recognised for her work fighting social isolation.
She expressed:
“I would have much preferred for my sister to be here carrying on the work she started on loneliness and so much else, but while this is sadly a bittersweet moment for our family, I know that Jo would be extremely proud”.
Photo: Red Dot.
