Heart doctor 'humbled' by Queen's honour

A DOCTOR who has been credited with saving the lives of heart attack patients has spoken of his pride after being honoured by the Queen.

Dr Mohammad Farqad Alamgir was appointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's birthday honours list.

The clinical director for cardiac and neurosciences at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham pioneered a programme ensuring heart attack victims were operated on within 90 minutes, increasing their chances of survival.

He said: "It was a big shock. I am very proud and very humbled.

"I never expected this at all. Obviously, I am delighted, but it is not just for me – it is for my team as well."

Dr Alamgir was working in Saudi Arabia when a letter from the Cabinet Office arrived at his home in Kirk Ella.

He said: "My wife rang me and told me there was a letter from the Cabinet Office and I thought it must be something like an unpaid tax bill.

"When she told me what it was, I just couldn't believe it."

Pakistan-born Dr Alamgir joined Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals Trust in 1996 as the clinical lead for cardiac care, later rising to clinical director.

He expanded the cardiology unit at the hospital and was the first in the UK to perform a procedure to clip leaky heart valves.

He celebrated the award yesterday with a gathering for friends and family and is looking forward to collecting his medal at an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

"You can only take three people and fights are already breaking out about who is coming with me," he said.

Several people from Hull and the East Riding were also honoured in the list, including the new Humberside Police Chief Constable Justine Curran. She was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for her 25-year policing career, including her recent role as the chief constable of Tayside Police and vice-president of the Scottish Association of Chief Police Officers.

She said: "I'm delighted but a bit surprised.

"I found out a few weeks ago, but you are sworn to secrecy so I have been trying to get my head around it.

"I did a lot of work in Scotland around reform in the public services and the police, so I hope this reflects that.

"I feel like I have something worthwhile to show for my 25 years in policing."

Ms Curran is also now deciding who will accompany her to receive the medal at the palace.

"It's very exciting and I will be really proud to go," she said.

"It is deciding who to take is the hard part. It will be between my parents and my kids, but it probably means more to my parents.

"The only other downside is I will have to go in my uniform, so I can't buy a new outfit."

Former Humberside detective sergeant Mark Jennings was also awarded the Queen's Police Medal and Inspector Steve Lamb was made MBE.

Gary Warke, chief executive of Hull College, was appointed MBE for services to education. Humberside Fire Authority vice-chairman Doreen Ann Engall was also appointed MBE.

Michael Parker, a former board member of the Sea Fish Industry Authority who lives in Beverley, was appointed Order of the British Empire.

Jeannette Harrison, a volunteer for the British Red Cross from Cottingham, will receive a British Empire Medal.

Sarah Peel, a prison worker at HMP Full Sutton, near Pocklington, will also receive the medal, as will nursing home entertainer Brenda Mackfall, of Stamford Bridge.