Former Plymouth College pupil, Surgeon Commander Anthony Lambert, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for his work with injured servicemen.
A surgeon at Derriford Hospital, Cdr Lambert has done several tours of duty in Afghanistan. However, his support of injured servicemen goes beyond his regular duties. He is involved in an adventure training initiative and runs the annual Medics Rugby Challenge, a match between the Royal Marines and Peninsula Medical School that raises about £25,000 a year for the treatment of injured servicemen.
"It is such an honour to be awarded an OBE", said Cdr Lambert. "It was quite a surprise and is incredible to think I am considered worthy."
Cdr Lambert was a boarding pupil at Plymouth College in the 1970s. A senior prefect, head of the Combined Cadet Force's naval section and captain of the 2nd XV rugby team, he also stage managed a number of school productions. A keen swimmer, he did swimming and life saving exams including qualifications for advance teacher and examiner. Cdr Lambert firmly believes that the school prepared him well for his career in the Royal Navy and credits a number of teachers for their support.
"Tom and Monica Waldock looked after me in the boarding house", said Cdr Lambert. "Thankfully there was no escape from doing homework otherwise I might not have passed my exams and become a surgeon! Another great support during my time at school was Frank Jeffery, who was both an academic and cadet force mentor.
"In recent years it has been a great pleasure to take on the mentor role myself. One Plymouth College pupil who did work experience with me went on to medical school, joined the navy and has just joined us at Derriford as a Houseman.
"Plymouth College gave me so many opportunities and definitely helped to make me the person I am today."
