A NURSE and two rugby stalwarts from the Borders have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Day Honours List.

Judith Smith, a Macmillan nurse consultant in cancer and palliative care at the Borders General Hospital, Melrose, was made a Member of the British Empire for her services to oncology.

British Empire Medals were awarded to both Donald Swanson for his services to rugby in Peebles and to Hawick rugby club stalwart Henry Douglas for his service to the community of Bonchester.

Judith, who is from Galashiels, received the award for her significant achievement and outstanding service to the Borders community through her role, firstly, as Macmillan Haematology/Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, then as Macmillan Nurse Consultant in Cancer and Palliative Care within NHS Borders.

She started her nursing career as a Staff Nurse at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh 30 years ago, moving back to the Borders in 1990.

Since 1998 she has been involved with the development of cancer services across NHS Borders.

And in particular she has challenged traditional models of care and championed the development of a nurse-led chemotherapy service in the Borders Macmillan Centre which now treats over 95 per cent of local patients - saving them the trip to Edinburgh. Judith told us: “To be awarded this honour has been an overwhelming experience.

“I was shocked when I received the letter thinking initially it was for jury service, and then that it was a joke.” In her present role of Nurse Consultant, Judith has a broad remit and is currently focusing on developing services for cancer patients following treatment as well as emergency admissions.

She added: “I see it as a team award which reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people past and present as well as NHS Borders commitment to cancer care.

“I consider myself very lucky to have worked with many dedicated people over the years, but in particular the late doctors, George Stockdill and Lillian Matheson, both of whom worked hard to lay the foundations for delivery of specialist cancer and chemotherapy services within NHS Borders.

“I hope in some way I have been able to build on their achievements.” Mr Swanson, 88, has been a member of Peebles Rugby Club as a player and a committee member since 1947.

He is currently the bar treasurer and an honorary president.

“I was surprised and proud when I learned that I was going to be receiving this honour,” he said.

“I’ve put in a lot of work over the years - it’s a 52 weeks a year job - but I do it for the love of the game and to see all the youngsters coming through.” Henry Douglas was recognised for services to the community of Bonchester Bridge.

As well as all of his local voluntary work around the village, the farmer is also a proud supporter of Hawick Common Riding - he was the chief guest at last year’s Battle of Hornshole anniversary celebrations - and also the town’s rugby club.

A spokesman for Hawick RFC said: “We would like to congratulate passionate greens supporter Henry Douglas on his BEM - a worthy recipient.”