31 December 2021
"This is for all frontline staff and volunteers" says Hampton charity worker awarded OBE
David Peppiatt, Director of Humanitarian Assistance at the British Red Cross, has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire Medal (OBE) in the New Year Honours List 2022 for 25 years service with the charity.
The 52-year-old, was home alone in Hampton when he received a letter from the Cabinet Office informing him of the award.
“I was completely overwhelmed,” he says. “At first I thought it was a Christmas card, but when it finally sank in, I was totally dumbstruck. I honestly couldn’t believe it."
David first visited Africa on a gap year after leaving school in 1987, an experience which left him inspired to work in the world of international aid and development.
Since joining the Red Cross in 1996, he has spent 25 years with the organisation, often in the heart of crisis situations, advising on humanitarian relief in natural disasters and war-torn countries
“It’s been a great privilege to be part of the teams making extraordinary efforts to support people in crisis,” says David,
“For example, in the humanitarian relief operations in Haiti, Syria, Bangladesh and South Sudan. There have been some incredible moments over the years that I am proud of, but equally some painful and difficult moments where the enormous challenges faced by the Red Cross have been overwhelming.
“I am constantly humbled by the local response of Red Cross staff and volunteers working in their own communities in extraordinary difficult circumstances. Their courage and compassion is truly inspiring.
"This award is not just for me but for all those frontline staff and volunteers responding to humanitarian needs across the world.”
British Red Cross Chief Executive Mike Adamson is delighted that David is getting recognition for his many years of service:
“David is a true humanitarian and a fantastic role model for everyone within the organisation. Over 25 years of service his vision and initiatives have helped the charity become a global leader in humanitarian response.
"David is a shining example of the exemplary staff and volunteers we are lucky to have to support the vital work of the Red Cross. We are profoundly fortunate to have him in the team and delighted to see him honoured in this way.
“I would like to pass on my congratulations on this well-deserved honour and thank David for his continued passion for helping to make a difference.”
Over the past year, the British Red Cross has helped more than 1.1 million people feel less isolated, cope with financial hardship and manage their mental health and wellbeing.
Over 1,400 Red Cross volunteers supported vaccination programmes which helped over 1.4 million people get vaccinated; and 7,878 households were supported by over 4.3 million distributed through the charity's hardship fund.
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