British Army Brigadier awarded CBE for services to military nursing

A British Army Brigadier has been awarded a CBE for services to military nursing.

Brigadier Alison McCourt was given the award by Princes Charles at Windsor Castle and said it was an "immense privilege" to receive the CBE.

"I do feel, particularly as a nurse, when you receive something like this, you're receiving it on behalf of your profession and also on behalf of my family, who have been behind me the whole time," she said.

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During the Ebola pandemic, Brig McCourt led the military personnel running the treatment unit, and said in hindsight, it was "perfect preparation for when COVID came calling".

She was redeployed to the NHS yesterday to help the UK's battle against the coronavirus pandemic as cases of the Omicron variant increase.

However, Brig McCourt was not alone in receiving an award, with Sir Lewis Hamilton receiving a Knighthood at the same time.

In a post on twitter, Brig McCourt said she "didn't know it was him in front of" her, adding Sir Lewis told her "it was the best day of his life".