We are proud to announce that both our Chair of Trustees, Mark Lawrie, and our Ambassador, Hannah Cockroft, have been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours List. Mark has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his outstanding services to education and young people, while Hannah, a nine-time Paralympic gold medallist, has been honoured with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to athletics following her continued dominance on the world stage, including gold medals in the T34 100m and 800m at the Paris Paralympic Games.
Mark has guided the Personal Best Foundation as Chair of Trustees since its launch in November 2022, bringing his decades of expertise in education, sport, and community development to our mission of empowering young people through athletics. Beyond his role with the Foundation, Mark has led StreetGames as CEO since 2021, championing the use of sport to create positive change for young people living in the UK's most underserved communities.
Reflecting on the recognition, Mark said:
"I am deeply honoured to receive this award. It reflects not only my passion for supporting young people but also the incredible commitment of the teams at Personal Best Foundation and Street Games, as well as the amazing community organisations we work with. The power of athletics to inspire, build confidence, and help young people realise their potential is something I am truly passionate about. Together, we strive to give every young person the opportunity to achieve their personal best, no matter their background."
Hannah Cockroft, an inspirational figure in athletics and beyond, continues to show the power of perseverance and excellence. Her success in Paris underscores her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in Paralympic history. As an Ambassador for the Personal Best Foundation, Hannah’s passion for promoting inclusion and empowering young people aligns perfectly with our mission.
Amy Weaver-Tyler, Foundation Manager at Personal Best Foundation, shared her congratulations:
"We are incredibly proud to celebrate both Mark and Hannah for their remarkable achievements. Mark’s leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s vision and impact, while Hannah’s excellence on the track and her commitment off it inspire us all. Their Honours are well-deserved, and we are honoured to work alongside them in driving positive change for young people."
Please join us in congratulating Mark and Hannah on these incredible achievements. Their dedication and passion embody the spirit of the Personal Best Foundation and inspire us to continue our mission of empowering young people through athletics.