Bognor stalwart named on Queen's New Year Honours List after 43 years of voluntary service

Brian Knight, 77, from North Bersted, is now a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), after being recognised for his services to the community in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton — primarily for his work with the Friends of Bognor Hospital, which he joined in 1977 and he has remained ever since, now sitting as chairman.

Over the years, Brian has also served as chairman of Bersted Parish Council and Bognor and Bersted United Charities, which helps disadvantaged adults and children with money for essential goods.

On becoming an MBE, Brian said: "It was quite unexpected. It's quite an honour really and I'm still trying to come to terms with it."

Brian has lived in Bognor Regis since 1973, having previously resided in Chichester and Midhurst. He is married with two daughters, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He said his family are very proud of his achievements, adding: "I knew in early December and we're a very close family so it was very hard to keep that sort of thing from them.

"None of this would have been possible without the understanding and cooperation of the many volunteers that I have worked with over the years and the support of my wife of 53 years Judy."

Friends of Bognor Hospital, which was formed in 1953, provides services that the NHS cannot and, in the last two years, has spent around £380,000 primarily refurbishing the physiotherapy gymnasium, which Brian described as one of best equipped on the South Coast.

The money was also spent on a new densitometry unit. Both units are now fully functional but, due to Covid-19 restrictions, no official opening could take place.

"The last year has been an exciting year which we unfortunately couldn't celebrate," Brian said. "We didn't have a hospital fete this year. We must have lost about £25,000 in income.

"We committed all this expenditure but are struggling to make it up. Hopefully it will but it hasn't deterred us from spending.

"The NHS will provide the necessary equipment. What you've got in Bognor, is the best of equipment.

"The gymnasium is hired by professional football team. Everyone gets the best of treatment that can be provided."

Brian said, as the years have gone on, there has been 'more demand now on the funds that we've got'.

When asked if the coronavirus pandemic has brought additional challenges, Brian said: "They didn't need special equipment because PPE was already provided by the NHS.

"With the original lockdown the patients were not allowed visitors and so the Friends of Bognor Hospital decided to make up some 'goodie bags' containing a pen, notebook, puzzle book, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant and some small packets of sweets. We've made more than 100.

"They were given to every patient and then every new patient got one. The bags were so well received that the friends decided to do a second batch."

Brian first became involved in community service in 1960, when he joined the St John Ambulance, in Chichester, which managed and supplied the ambulance service on behalf of West Sussex County Council.

He remained there until 1997, having held many positions —finally being the county staff officer for transport and communications in Sussex.

In 1966, Brian joined the ambulance service, serving at all 12 stations in the county and held many ranks and positions until being appointed divisional officer for the eastern area of West Sussex. He also became a graduate member, sitting on the national council, looking at training in the services, and was elected national president for 1994/95.

In 1997, Brian set up, with Charlie Newell of Chichester, a charity called the Jean Carr Trust which gives financial aid for holidays to residents of West Sussex that fit certain criteria.

He said: "We have given over the years about a million pounds in holiday funds. As chairman, I hold two meetings a year but deal with applications all year round by email."

In the same year, he was appointed to set up a community transport scheme in Littlehampton with a budget of £21,000 a year. This became Arun Coordinated Community Transport and, in 2007, Brian was awarded the Queens Golden Jubilee Award for voluntary service for groups in the community.

Brian said that, 'in its heyday', the scheme oversaw the transportation of 72,000 people a year to hospitals, doctors, assisted shopping, dentists and theatre visits to combat isolation and poverty.

"All the things that I've done is because of all the other people around me," Brian said. "[Becoming an MBE] is not just an honour for me but for all the people I've had chance to volunteer with."