Lyn to receive MBE

Lyn Gwylliam is clearly an exceptional person so it's no surprise the 62 year old has been named in the New Year's Honours List.

She received an MBE for her work in the civil service where she was based in the security and anti-corruption unit as well as the UK border agency in the Home Office.

She worked on the public doors in Lunar House where people would come for visas and permission to stay in Britain. Her job entailed handling difficult situations and she was personally thanked by the former Home Secretary Jack Straw.

"I remember the occasion many years ago now myself and some other guards stopped a lady from setting herself on fire. She wanted leave to remain in this country and they would not give it to her. She was pregnant and had two children. She managed to sneak in with a lighter and some fuel and then she poured in on her jumper.

"Jack Straw visited after that to say thank you but I told him it was a team effort - not just me. At the time though you don't think how serious things could be, you just know this lady has got children and you have to make sure she is safe."

Lyn, who lives in Fowlers Close, grew up in Croydon and has had her home in Bexhill for more than five years.

It was when her own sons Gary and Lee were grown up that she went out to work herself and began as a messenger for the Home Office. She progressed to senior messenger and then SM3 before leaving when her first grandchild was born.

She soon realised she wanted to return to work and went back as a receptionist.

"And here I am 14 years later."

Lyn said she was "amazed" to be told about her MBE before she retired on December 19 after a total of 28 years.

"This has been such a special year," she said this week.

"They put me forward to go to the Queen's birthday party in June which we went to and it was really lovely. I felt quite honoured about that.

"So I was amazed - I think there are other people more worthy than me.

"I have enjoyed my job throughout the years and the people I have worked with have been superb. I have had breast cancer twice and both times at work they were really supportive. I was told to take leave but I couldn't wait to go back to work because that is what I enjoy - being with people.

"I had breast cancer and had the breast removed. I went for reconstruction and 18 months later the cancer was back, and it was very aggressive then.

"But that was not being brave, it was fighting for your life. It's when you go to the Marsden Hospital and see the little children there that you think it's them that are brave, not me."