Former health chief's plea over stolen CBE medal

Prof Ashton receiving his CBE Credit: Cumbria Police

The former director of public health in the North West, awarded the CBE for outstanding service to the NHS, has appealed to thieves to return the "irreplaceable" medal after his home was burgled.

Raiders struck at the home of Professor John Ashton in Cumbria, on November 6 and took the CBE, jewellery and a BB gun.

Prof Ashton said: "You hear about how awful it is to be burgled and to have strangers roaming around your home and stealing your precious things but it is only when it happens to you that you experience that sickening sense of violation.

"I am not somebody who cares much about possessions but what has been stolen means such a lot emotionally.

Prof Ashton was north-west regional director of public health and regional medical officer from 1993 to 2006 and director of public health and county medical officer for Cumbria from 2006.

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact police quoting log 61 of 6th November 2018.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 231615 NOV 18