Long-term supporter of Combat Stress, Khumi Burton, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for services to the community in Manchester and Cheshire, and for her commitment to military charities and the military community.
Khumi has dedicated her life to helping others, including Armed Forces charities, raising an incredible £1.4 million for the Poppy Appeal as East Cheshire County Poppy Appeal Coordinator and more than £38,000 for Combat Stress as a community volunteer.
Born in Manipur, India, near the Burmese Frontier in 1948, she grew up where some of the greatest battles of the Second World War took place, and has always been a champion of Remembrance and service charities.
In 1976 Khumi married a retired Major from the Cheshire Regiment and moved to the UK to be with her husband. In 2003 she was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, becoming the first South-East Asian woman to be appointed, in recognition of her work in the community.
In 2009 Khumi began supporting Combat Stress through various events and fundraising activities. Her drive and dedication has been unstoppable and she continues to drum up support and awareness of the charity to this day, the importance of which cannot be understated.
Last year, Khumi was presented with the Soldiering On Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.
