SRINAGAR, June 15: A young Kashmiri paediatric neurosurgeon in the United Kingdom has made J&K proud after he was awarded MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
Dr Noor Ul Owase Jeelani, Professor of Paediatric Neurosurgery, is among two specialists to be bestowed with his honor. Previous GOSH Non-Executive Director, James Hatchley, is another awardee.
Professor Jeelani is a leading specialist in paediatric neurosurgery, craniofacial reconstructive surgery, and craniopagus separation surgery. He joined GOSH in 2000 and served as Head of the Department of Neurosurgery from 2012 to 2018, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the department into one of the largest paediatric neurosurgery services in the world.
He is recognised internationally as an expert in the separation of craniopagus twins (twins joined at the skull), undertaking procedures both as an NHS surgeon at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and globally as part of his work with the charity he established, Gemini Untwined. He receives an MBE for his services to neurosurgery and global child health.
“It is an honour to receive this MBE, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the teams at Great Ormond Street Hospital, University College London, and Gemini Untwined. This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the dedication and passion of every colleague and team member who has been part of this journey,y and I share this achievement with them. “We remain committed to working towards a better future for children both in the UK and globally. All children are equally precious, and it is our collective responsibility to look after them,” said Professor Jeelani
James Hatchley was Non-Executive Director at Great Ormond Street Hospital from 2016-2022, serving latterly as Deputy Chair and Senior Independent Director. He has been recognised for his exceptional fundraising efforts for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, where he is a Fundraising Patron.
James has been fundraising for GOSH since 2014 and has raised over £1.2 million for the hospital in memory of his daughter Emma. Together with his family and friends, James formed “Team Hatch,” an endurance sports team which has participated in dozens of long-distance triathlons, marathons, and ultra marathons and other physical feats across the world, running, swimming, cycling, and climbing thousands of kilometres.
“It has been a privilege to serve on the GOSH Board and fundraise for the GOSH Children’s Charity in Emma’s name. This recognition will serve to remind me of all the amazing professionals who helped us when Emma was treated at GOSH and spur me, and my teammates, on to continue to raise further funds to help the children and families that use its services,” said James Hatchley.