OT recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Congratulations to Edmund Shillabeer (Somerset, 1949-1958) who has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s Birthday Honours for his lifelong dedication to charitable fundraising, athletics, and community service in Plymouth.

Edmund has raised funds for numerous charities through an extraordinary series of endurance challenges, including multiple London and Plymouth Marathons, an Ironman, a Quadrathon, three Chara Challenges, a 100-mile walk from Land’s End to Plymouth, and a 250-mile walk from his veterinary practice to the RCVS Headquarters in London (via Taunton school!). Edmund was also among the participants in the inaugural London Marathon in 1981 and has since completed more than 25 marathons. Even after battling cancer, he returned to racewalking in his 80s, continuing to take on the 26.2-mile challenge and raising thousands of pounds for charity.

A distinguished athlete, he is a national 100-mile champion, holds the GB 100km track record (still standing), and is the oldest GB international athlete debutant. Competing as a self-funded amateur while running a single-handed companion animal practice, he has achieved numerous podium finishes in Masters athletics at both European and World Championships, represented England and Great Britain in ultra-distance walking, and recorded the furthest distance by a Brit and highest placing at the 28 Heures de Roubaix, covering 239.490 metres to take third place.

A committed member of his community, Edmund has hosted work experience students from across the world, supported a Polish vet in establishing a clinic, and welcomed Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award participants and Devonport High School work experience students. He has served three times as president of local Rotary clubs, is Honorary President of St John, and is currently hosting a Ukrainian family while facilitating multiple aid trips to Ukraine.