Courage, expertise and new affiliations at the Environmental Cleaners Military Awards 2026

On 22 September 2026, the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners (WCEC) held its annual Military Awards at Drapers’ Hall, recognising outstanding contributions to environmental health and wellbeing across the Armed Forces and cadet organisations.

More than 170 guests attended, making it one of the best supported events in the Company’s calendar. The Environmental Cleaners were joined by their Military Affiliates: the Royal Army Medical Service, the Royal Air Force Environmental Health Cadre, TS Narvik Bromley Sea Cadets, 75 Detachment (Royal Army Medical Service) Southeast London Army Cadet Force, and 50F (Camberwell & Lambeth) Squadron of the Air Training Corps.

The afternoon also saw the Company welcome two new affiliates, St John Ambulance cadets and the London Scouts, extending its support to even more young people in uniform.

Following lunch and speeches from the Master Environmental Cleaner, Kevin Meighan C.Env.Cln ACA, and Brigadier Vicki Moorhouse, eleven awards were presented:

Lieutenant Colonel Edward Sellon, Dr Huw Walters and Dr Krishnaa Pandya – Environmental and Social Excellence Award. Recognised for reducing the environmental, financial and administrative cost of managing radiological data.
Major Ronnie Harley – recognised for a 32-year career, including delivering force health protection training to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Sergeant Kerry-Ann Shuel – recognised for taking on aircraft drinking water purification across the P-8 Poseidon and E-7 Wedgetail fleets.
Sergeant Kelly Rose – recognised for redesigning the Environmental Health degree assessment framework at the Defence Medical Academy.
Captain Ciaran Cassidy – Postgraduate Medical Officer Prize.
Corporal Kirbie Davison – recognised for her outbreak investigation work.
Cadet Awards – Ordinary Cadet Brooke Spencer, Marine Cadet Max Owen, Cadet Gloria Akinsemoyin and Cadet Corporal Tarigan.

The Environmental and Social Excellence Award was presented for the first time this year. Its trophy, crafted by Linley from waste glass and Thames river shells and mounted on London Plane offcuts, is a striking piece, visually resonant of environmental stewardship.

Among the most moving moments of the afternoon was the presentation of the St John Ambulance Cadet Young Achiever Award to Cadet Amelie Burnside. Amelie helped a frightened young road accident casualty by keeping pressure on his wound under paramedic instruction until they were able to take over.

It was also a day of milestones for the Company’s own members. Four new Liverymen were welcomed, Louisa Clarke, James Glass C.Env.Cln, Gareth Leverton and Merci Marosi C.Env.Cln, along with three new Chartered Practitioners, Donivaldo Antonio Lopes de Oliveira C.Env.Cln, Sushma Thapa C.Env.Cln and Jolanta Wayling C.Env.Cln.

The Royal Marines Association Brass Ensemble and Columbus Sandor provided music throughout the afternoon, rounding off a proud and memorable day for everyone involved.