STAFFORD’S running paramedic Ray Edensor has been honoured by the Queen as one of only two people in the country to be awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.
The award was announced as part of the New Year’s Honours List and recognises the dedication of ambulance staff.
Dad-of-two Ray, of Boardman Crescent, is renowned in Stafford for his marathon fund-raising efforts for the Promise Dreams Come True charity, which sup- ports terminally ill youngsters.
He ran countless marathons, with one challenge seeing him running 26 marathons in as many days, and he also completed Stafford Half Marathon 25 times in 25 days while wearing a decont- amination suit.
Ray said: “I am overwhelmed. I have had so many messages of support and congratulations, it’s unbelievable.
“As far as I am concerned, this award is for every ambulance man and woman – all do a fantastic job.”
Brocton resident Lewis Badger, 66, was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the environment, in particular for Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Mr Badger, who lives with wife Lesley, was involved with the AONB helping to conduct environmental surveys, organising and contributing to litter-picking expeditions across the Chase and helping to allocate funding.
Mr Badger was a passionate runner, completing more than 100 marathons and raising money for a range of charities, including multiple sclerosis and cancer research charities.
He also served as a councillor in Brocton up until he suffered a stroke shortly after a knee operation around three years ago.
“He was just completely overwhelmed,” said Mrs Badger. “He’s always been an outside man and he loved the Chase.”
Bob Mudway, chairman of Brocton Parish Council, added: “We are delighted for him. When he was a parish councillor nothing was ever too much trouble for him.
"It is wonderful that he has been recognised.”
Stafford Grammar School geography teacher Dr Francis Crane, 59, was awarded an MBE in recognition of his countless hours of voluntary leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award both at school and in the community where he is chairman of the Stafford and Stone district panel.
Dr Crane said: “When the letter dropped through my door it was a total surprise.
“I know there are others as deserving of an award like this as me.
“I hope to continue as long as I can still do it and can keep going.
“I think the greatest satisfaction comes from the huge number of children who have benefited from their experiences within the award, and the opportunities they’ve been given.
“Outdoor activities in particular can’t be taught in a classroom but always need leaders to devote themselves to ensure that children learn from their experiences.”
