A RENOWNED cancer expert who has helped drastically change the way doctors deal with the psychological effects of the disease is to be made a Dame in the New Year honours.

Professor Lesley Fallowfield, of the Brighton and Sussex Medical School, has published more than 300 papers, book chapters and text books during her distinguished career.

She is among more than 30 people to be recognised for their service, including emergency services staff who played key roles in the aftermath of the Shoreham Airshow disaster in August.

Prof Fallowfield specialises in psychosocial oncology, which focuses on understanding and treating the social, psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects of cancer.

She teaches young doctors to communicate better with patients and help them come to terms with the shock of being diagnosed.

Her reputation has seen the 66-year-old lecture and run training workshops throughout the world and in 2010 was awarded the Pfizer/BOA Excellence in Oncology Lifetime Achievement Award.

Prof Fallowfield, who lives in Brighton, said: “I am absolutely thrilled to learn that I will be the first Professor of Psycho-oncology to be awarded a Damehood.

“I have no idea who the generous people were who felt motivated to nominate me, but I'd like to thank them and the doctors and nurses I've been privileged to work with over the years.”

Also set for a trip to Buckingham Palace in 2016 are Sussex Police Deputy Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney and the Red Cross’s Richard Tyler.

Mr Tyler, who will be awarded a British Empire Medal, led a team of volunteers who treated around 15 people following the Shoreham Airshow disaster as well as offering support to countless traumatised witnesses.

The 44-year-old, who first joined the Red Cross as a ten-year-old schoolboy, said: “I’m very proud to have this medal.

"I don’t do what I do for awards and I’ve never thought about having anything like this, but it’s great to be recognised.”

Chief Constable Giles York said Ms Pinkney’s award was “richly deserved”.

He said: "This award recognises her distinguished career, so far, seeing her deliver exceptional policing services.

“It also recognises how she goes above and beyond the call of duty in undertaking national charity work and being the national policing lead for children and young people.”

Ms Pinkney said: "I am extremely honoured and grateful to receive this award, which is as much for the many colleagues in Sussex and other areas who I have worked with over the years, as myself.

"Policing has changed so much since I became a PC in 1991, but I have the same passion for the job now as I did then."

COMMUNITY INSPIRATIONS RECOGNISED

NEWS of a New Year’s honour topped a dramatic year for one tireless fundraiser and her family.

Marilyn Nolan will receive the British Empire Medal for her outstanding community work after helping to raise thousands of pounds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People over a quarter of a century.

The 69-year-old woman from Newhaven has volunteered for five other charities over the past three decades and also donated an incredible 75 pints of blood in aid of more than 225 patients.

Selflessness must run in the family as Mrs Nolan’s daughter and granddaughter Paula and Becca Woolven received awards after helping save a 25-year-old man from Newhaven Swingbridge in February.

Paula Woolven said of her mother: “Marilyn is a one-woman unstoppable force for good in her community and I am proud to call her Mum.”

Dr Caroline Harper, chief executive of international development charity Sightsavers, based in Haywards Heath, becomes a CBE in recognition of her charity’s work.

She said: “I see this very much as an honour for Sightsavers: its staff, partners and donors who make the work of the organisation possible.”

Also in the charity sector, Bolney-based Ian Denyer is made an OBE after working with Brighton-based charity Off The Fence alongside his role as head of the Crown Office at the House of Lords.

Meanwhile, Arundel-based crime writer Simon Brett is made an OBE for services to literature.

He has had a prolific career, publishing 96 titles since his debut in the 1970s, and is highly regarded for his Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter Fethering and Blotto & Twinks series of crime novels and won The Crime Writers’ Association Diamond Dagger.

He said: “I was absolutely delighted when I received the news a few weeks ago, although it has been difficult not telling the kids over Christmas.

“I never expected this starting out 40 years ago when I knew just one person who had ever published a book.”

Also in the arts, Brighton-based artist Jane Short will become an MBE for services to the art and craft of enamelling.

In education, former Oathall Community College teacher Howard Wood will become an MBE in recognition of more than 30 years’ service to the Haywards Heath school and, in particular, for his instrumental role in developing the only farm at a state school in the county.

The SABDEN Multi Academy Trust chair of governors Margaret Southworth will also become an MBE while Brighton-based Professor Maurice Howard, professor of art history at the University of Sussex, will be made an OBE for services to higher education and architectural heritage.

Rosemary Burns, who has served Mid Sussex District Council for 16 years as well as being chairwoman of Mid Sussex Community Healthwatch Council, a governor at Downlands Comprehensive School, and a member of both the South Downs Conservation Group and South of England Agricultural Society, receives a British Empire Medal.

The mother-of-two still keeps herself busy as Hurstpierpoint and Sayers Common parish councillor while also working with charity Childhelp Hassocks.

The 69-year-old said she was inspired by her parents to get involved in community life and was “absolutely amazed” to receive the news.

Other long-serving community campaigners include Lewes town and district and East Sussex county councillor Ruth O’Keeffe, who will be made an MBE, while Ken Monk, who has been at the heart of Ardingly’s political, sporting and social heart for years, will receive a British Empire Medal.

The same honour will be bestowed upon Jean Olney, from Mayfield, for her extraordinary hospice fundraising while Richard Groom, from Shipley near Bognor, who has raised millions as chairman of the Lord’s Taverners organisation and helped to change the lives of young disabled people as chairman of the Orpheus Centre, will be made an MBE.