Ian Lush, chief executive of Imperial Health Charity and chairman of NHS Charities Together, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for charitable services to the NHS.

As chief executive of Imperial Health Charity, Ian, 60, played a critical role in leading efforts to support the five hospitals of the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, as chairman of NHS Charities Together, he was a “fantastically calm support” during the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal, which raised £150 million for NHS charities supporting NHS staff, volunteers and patients throughout the UK.

Ian was appointed chief executive of Imperial Health Charity in December 2014 and has served as chairman of NHS Charities Together since April 2020.

Commenting on the award, Ian Lush said:

“I’m truly honoured to receive this OBE at the end of a year unlike any other for our NHS and its charities. The pandemic has posed the most extraordinary challenge for our health service and we’re all indebted to the tireless efforts of our heroic NHS staff, whose compassion and commitment to outstanding care has been a shining light during a long, dark year.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to the many other unsung heroes who have stood side by side with the NHS throughout the pandemic. From the thousands of dedicated volunteers who gave up their time to lend a hand to the many generous donors and fundraisers, like the remarkable Captain Sir Tom Moore, who helped us raise such extraordinary sums – your kindness enabled NHS charities across the country to provide vital extra support when it was needed most.

“Finally I’d like to recognise all my fantastic colleagues at Imperial Health Charity whose hard work and support over the last year has been inspiring.”

Ellie Ortion, Chief Executive of NHS Charities Together, said:

“This is incredible news and thoroughly deserved. Ian did an amazing job leading the NHS charities’ celebration of the NHS 70th birthday with the creation of the NHS Big Tea event in 2018. The response to our Covid-19 Appeal this year has been overwhelming, but Ian has been a fantastically calm support through it all.

“At NHS Charities Together we couldn’t have achieved the incredible feats we have this year without Ian’s hard work and dedication and it’s wonderful to see his efforts recognised in this way.”

Read the news via the Imperial Health Charity website here