Jurat Ian Brown has been made a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
His name is synonymous with cycling locally, but it’s not just his exploits on two wheels that have earned him his MBE.
Those who nominated him also noted the incredible efforts Mr Brown has given over 30 years in the name of charity.
He’s raised millions of pounds for various good causes, and has helped to transform lives through his fundraising efforts, yet the news that he had been awarded an MBE still came as a shock that has yet to fade.
“I was completely shocked, I got a call from Government House, and I’ve crossed paths with them several times,” he disclosed in private before the announcement was made on Friday night.
“When he told me, I was shocked, and that hasn’t really dissipated very much since. This was like six weeks ago, so it’s been quite a long run into the announcement. I’m still quite surprised, quite shocked.”
Alongside Ben Gregg, Jo Norman, and Colin Prigent, Mr Brown is being honoured at Guernsey’s Government House today where a celebration is being held to mark King Charles III’s official birthday.
His family found it a surprise when he told them where they would be going today and why, but he said they were delighted with the news.
“I was told I could tell people that live with me at my home, my two daughters and my wife. So, I told my wife the day that I found out, and I told my daughters two weeks later, so they’ve had to keep it to themselves as well!
“As you can imagine, my wife was quite surprised and emotional. My two daughters were absolutely delighted when we told them they were getting invites to the announcement at Government House on the Saturday. I had to tell them, because they would have wondered what the heck that was about it!”
As well as his own professional cycling career, which led to the shop and service centre that bears his name, Mr Brown has backed many charitable causes including those focused on his own chosen sport.
The 30 Rides in 30 Days initiative and the Rock to Rocque bike ride both support Les Bourgs Hospice, while ‘Wheels for You’ has opened cycling up to those with additional needs.
Mr Brown said all of this work has come together over many years.
“It is a pinnacle, really. Like anybody that’s reached that status, they would be delighted!
“I don’t think this award comes in isolation for the charity work, for the initiatives, for the business, or for my sport, and there is obviously other people involved!
“I only represent all the other people that have been alongside me, supporting me, encouraging me, or taking part. I just want to say that I haven’t done this on my own.
“They’ll know they are, I wouldn’t want to name them, but people will know they’ve helped me in those, in those facets of my life.”