TfL staff, charity workers and a firefighter were among the "everyday London heroes" to be awarded the British Empire Medal this year.
In a ceremony at the Tower of London on Friday, the group were honoured for their selfless work.
Among those receiving the honour were:
Balvir Mohan Bhalla, 67, for services to the community especially during Covid-19
Mr Bhalla set up the Supercool Friends Charity to boost fitness among high-risk groups during the pandemic and help feed more than 1,900 vulnerable people during the pandemic.
He has also been at the forefront of planting approximately 3,500 trees and donating over 5,000 filled boxes of food to homeless shelters across London and the home counties.
"I'm obviously very honoured," he said. "This venue is amazing. But I am collecting this award on behalf of my community because this work wasn't done by one man. It was a whole community."
Russell Crispin, 63, for services to the Fire and Rescue Service and to the community in east London
Mr Crispin has been involved in numerous rescues, most notably helping nine people out of the Hartley Hotel fire in Forest Gate when it was engulfed in flames in 2021.
Following a heart attack while on duty, he was so determined to return to work that he trained his body to pass the medical tests.
It has been his choice to remain at Firefighter rank for the whole of his distinguished 44-year career at London Fire Brigade.
Linda Bowley, 69, for services to charity and to the community Redbridge
Ms Bowley has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism and was rejected by her parents as a baby. Barnardo’s took her into care until she was old enough to gain her independence and she now gives her time to the charity on an almost daily basis, often fulfilling an ambassadorial role.
She raises several thousand pounds for Barnardo’s every year and has done so for decades.
Rahima Aziz, 22, for services to young peopleMs Aziz was appointed a trustee of the Aziz Foundation in 2020. As the youngest member of the board and the only woman, she has actively expanded its vision and secured funding for leading charities to support dozens of refugees in the UK.
She has spoken at a number of events over the past two years, sharing platforms with Lord Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Mayor of London and Lord Dubs
Tarpe Catford, 51, for services to charity and women with learning disabilities
Ms Catford single handedly runs a charity called Powerhouse, which was established to provide a place of safety and independent living support for women with learning disabilities.
She runs twice weekly all-day clubs, where the women take part in activities, including cookery sessions, psychodrama and pets therapy.
Winsome Hull, for services to Transport for London
Ms Hull was awarded the BEM for her work on inclusion and diversity at Transport for London.
Peter Hollely, for volunteer work
Mr Hollely began volunteering for St John Ambulance at the age of six as a Badger Cadet. He now helps run volunteer operations during large events.
A spokeswoman for the Cabinet Office, which organises the ceremony, said: “Congratulations to recipients of the British Empire Medal, awarded to individuals for outstanding achievements or service to their community.
“These medals are open to all, and anyone can nominate someone or be nominated by submitting a straightforward application online.”
