A specialist breast surgeon has been awarded an MBE.

Ashraf Patel has been recognised for services to funding and research for breast cancer in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He has worked At St Margaret’s Hospital, Epping and The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow since 1993. Prior to this he completed his medical education at Grant Medical College and surgical training at Tata Memorial Hospital, both in Mumbai.

At the Princess Alexandra breast unit, with the support of his patients, their families and friends and partner charities, he has helped to raise more than £4.5million for the hospital’s charity.

Mr Patel said: “I am delighted and humbled to be awarded an MBE. This award is also a recognition of the immense work put in by our charity, research, clinical, administrative and management teams at PAHT.

“I am lucky to be surrounded by hard working team members trying at all times to do their best for our patients.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends, my colleagues at work, the advisory board members and my patients."

Lance McCarthy, chief executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for him and the recognition for his outstanding work to support our patients with breast cancer over many years. Everyone at PAHT is extremely proud to see his dedication to improving the experience and lives of our patients recognised in this way.”