Former Olympic fencer Linda Strachan has said she was “humbled” to collect her British Empire Medal.
The founder and manager of Newham Swords Fencing Club, one of the most successful in the country, picked up her royal gong on the weekend.
Last month, founder of the Newham All Star Sports Academy Natasha Hart collected her Member of the Order of the British Empire medal for services to community sport from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.
Linda, from Brock Road, Plaistow, attended the investiture at the Tower of London.
“I was humbled,” said Linda, 54, who was awarded the BEM for services to community sport.
“I didn’t realise that they call you individually to walk to the stage and one of the guys there reads out your accomplishments and what you have achieved.
“That was lovely. I just got really emotional on the stage – and I’m still a bit emotional really.
“It’s just really lovely. It is so special. I have only done 10 years at the Newham Swords but there were people there who have given half of their lives, some 40 or 50 years. I was just in awe of them.
PC Robert Sewell was also among those named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List earlier this year. He was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Newham.
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