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MBE for Southport hospital chaplain

16 June 2025

Methodist Minister, the Revd Martin Abrams, has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for his services to the community as Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy Manager at Southport Hospital.

Martin has worked at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust for 13 years. He is a deeply caring and compassionate hospital chaplain who makes a difference to patients and their families, as well as NHS Staff, every single day. In recent years, he has provided unwavering support to those affected by the Covid pandemic and the tragic events in Southport in July 2024.

Rev Martin Abrams - Portrait

Martin says, “When I first received the letter, I was amazed, humbled, surprised and excited, all at the same time. I always find recognition like this difficult as I think I am only doing my job. I believe awards and honours are not about an individual, but about the support received from the teams you work with. To be recognised with this MBE is an incredible personal honour, but I would also like to say a huge thank you and dedicate it to my wonderful colleagues, family and friends.”

Trust Chief Executive, Rob Cooper, said, “I am absolutely delighted that Martin has been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to him on receiving such a prestigious honour. We are all extremely proud of Martin and this achievement is deserved recognition of his dedication and commitment to our patients, staff and local communities.”

Martin was born and raised in Southport in 1964, leaving the town in 1983 to train in various roles within the Methodist Church, before becoming ordained in 1992. He returned to Southport in 1997 as Minister of Ainsdale Methodist Church and soon after, Superintendent Minister of the Southport Circuit. He carried out this role for 15 years before joining the Trust in 2012.

Away from his work as a Hospital Chaplain at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, Martin holds a number of voluntary positions that help provide great support for Merseyside and West Lancashire.

He serves as the Chaplain at Southport’s adult hospice, Queenscourt. This enables continuity for patients and families at the most delicate time of life. Martin is also a Trustee at the hospice.

Martin is a keen campaigner and supporter of the Cradle charity, which looks after families of early pregnancy loss and baby loss both locally and nationally.