Disabled cricket pioneer Iain Nairn is honoured by the Queen

A cricketer who lost part of his leg when he was little more than a baby is bowled over to be recognised by the Queen.
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Iain Nairn was born with a birth defect and had his lower leg amputated when he was little more than a baby.

Now he has been made an MBE for services to physical disabilities cricket in today’s birthday honours.

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Forty-year-old Iain, from Chester-le-Street, joined the England Physical Disabilities squad in 2012.

Chester-le-Street Cricket Club Iain Nairn has been awarded an MBE for services to disability cricketChester-le-Street Cricket Club Iain Nairn has been awarded an MBE for services to disability cricket
Chester-le-Street Cricket Club Iain Nairn has been awarded an MBE for services to disability cricket

Captain from 2014, he led the team to victory in the first global Physical Disabilities Cricket tournament the following year, lifting the trophy in the T20 World Series.

Since retirement he has been a tireless ambassador for the sport.

Today’s commendation says he ‘has played a huge part in the growth of disabilities cricket and widening participation’.

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“I have been really lucky in my life – I lost my leg when I was only 16 months old, so I have never known any difference,” he said.

"But if it was not for the loss of my leg, I probably would not be receiving this honour.

“If I had been 10 years younger, I probably would not have lost my leg, I would probably have gone through reconstructive surgery – but fortunately, I was born when I was.”

He admits he almost ignored the message to inform him of his award: “All I did was live my dream of playing cricket for England, to wear the three lions, to sing the national anthem,” he said,

"To be recognised with an MBE was beyond words.”

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And he thanked those who had made it possible: “Without the hard work of people like Ian Martin, Neil Bradshaw and Richard Hill at the ECB and those in similar positions across the globe, I would not have been able to live my dream,” said Iain.

"Physical Disability cricket didn't exist when I was growing up. The first international only took place in 2012. Since then it has come on leaps and bounds.”

Also receiving an MBE in this year's birthday honours is Gillian Scott, from Houghton.

Gillian, who until recently was Macmillan Prison Lead for Palliative and End of Life Care with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, is honoured in recognition of her services to

palliative and end of life care.

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