Towards the end of every year, a long list of names is prepared and published.
While some require little or no introduction, most of the people on it are far from being household names.
The King’s New Year Honours List is compiled following recommendations from the prime minister, senior government ministers and members of the public.
Recipients have often dedicated their lives to serving the public or have made an outstanding contribution to national life.
The honours are usually awarded by the King, Prince of Wales or Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or in Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
But what’s it like to be recognised by your country, and how does it feel to be able to write three little letters after your name?
North West spoke to some previous recipients to find out.
Amanda Chadwick, from Manchester, was appointed MBE for her services to children in hospital.
She is the founder and trustee of the charity Pyjama Fairies, which provides comfort and support to young patients and their families during challenging times.
The charity distributes colourful and specially designed pyjamas and surgical gowns to youngsters as a way of giving them an emotional boost and reminding them that they are not defined by their illness.
It is run by volunteers, known as fairies, who also make the garments.
Ms Chadwick said: “I was at home one day and I received a letter which I had to sign for.
“On the front it said ‘On His Majesty’s Service’.
“The postman and I had a giggle as I said ‘Oh gosh, am I going to prison?’
“When I opened the letter I genuinely thought it was a prank. I called another trustee, Victoria, to see if she knew anything about it.
“It was all such a shock – I couldn’t believe it!”
‘Changed my life’
She created Pyjama Fairies in 2015, after the birth of her daughter Nevaeh Belle.
The little girl had congenital heart disease which required her to spend long periods of time in hospital.
When Ms Chadwick designed pyjamas for her daughter to wear that would not interfere with medical equipment, other parents on the ward wanted something similar for their children.
“I thought if my child is benefitting, so should others.”
Every year, the charity now supplies tens of thousands of garments to children all across the UK.
The clothes are all supplied free of charge, with donations only being sought to cover postage costs.
“The honour has changed my life considerably,” said Ms Chadwick.
“For the charity, it allowed thousands more young people to learn that we exist and how we can help and ultimately receive garments.
“That’s the biggest and most important impact.
“For me as a person, the honour carries such impact that it has led to me receiving further accolades from the university I completed my nurse training with.
“It is now serving as a really important factor when I am teaching others.
“I attend schools, universities [and] community groups with the aim of inspiring others to achieve great things, something which I am very passionate about.”
Olympian Thomas Bosworth, from Knowsley on Merseyside, was appointed MBE for his services to race walking.
Described by Team GB as “one of the greatest British race walkers of all time”, he enjoyed a 14-year professional career.
Highlights of his 14-year professional career included winning a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and representing Team GB at two Olympic Games.
Bosworth finished sixth in the Rio Games of 2016 and came 25th in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that were held the following year due to the pandemic.
He said finding out about his inclusion in the New Year Honours List had come as a “real shock” to him.
“My mum and dad were very proud,” he said. “We couldn’t quite believe it.
“It was a great recognition of all of the hard work.”
He said the subject of his MBE had been “picked up in a few conversations, which is always a really proud moment”.
Patricia Rogers, from Blackburn, was appointed MBE for her services to young people in Lancashire.
She founded the charity Every Action Has Consequences, along with her late husband Dave Rogers, after their 24-year-old son Adam was killed outside a nightclub in a one-punch attack.
The couple made educational packs for people aged from seven to 21, warning about the long-lasting impact of even moments of violence.
They visited prisons, campaigned for restorative justice and also advocated for more people to say they would donate organs after their death.
“Both me and my husband had a background in education,” Mrs Rogers explained.
“Soon after Adam’s death we decided we wanted to do something in Adam’s memory, as such a senseless act of violence took his life.”
When Mrs Rogers found out that she had been nominated for an honour, she said: “I was absolutely shocked – I still have no idea who put my name forward for it.”
Like other recipients, she said her award had raised the profile of the charity.
It also gave her “added motivation” to push for more funding, she said.
