Blind police accountant who is 'real role model' becomes MBE

Saima Ashraf dedicated her award to her late sister, who worked as her PA before her death

A blind woman who has been a "real role model" for anyone who "faces up to adversity in their lives" has become an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours.

Saima Ashraf, who lost her sight as a child, became the first registered blind chartered public accountant in 2013 and now works for Merseyside Police.

Ms Ashraf, who is a senior finance auditor and chairwoman of the force's Disability Support Network, has been recognised for services to policing and community work.

Dedicating the honour to her late sister, who worked as her personal assistant until her death in 2022, she said she was "extremely overwhelmed to find out how well regarded I was".

A police representative said Ms Ashraf joined the force 12 years ago and had been a "huge inspiration and role model, as a result of the work she has done for people who are visually impaired".

They said alongside her work, she also hosted a weekly radio show on Pendle Community Radio, which saw her interviewing prominent figures, such as blind judge Fayyaz Afzal, and championing local organisations.

'Hard work and graft'

She said she was "extremely honoured and humbled to receive an MBE for my services to policing".

"When I heard, I was extremely overwhelmed to find out how well regarded I was at Merseyside and how my contribution as a senior auditor and the chair of the Disability Support Network had been appreciated," she added.

"I would like to dedicate this award and recognition to my late sister Misbah Ashraf as she is the one who found this position for me and worked with me as my PA before passing in 2022 having battled pancreatic cancer."

Merseyside's Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said Ms Ashraf was "an amazing woman and is a real role model, not just for people who are visually impaired, but for anyone who faces up to adversity in their lives".

"Saima lost her sight as a child, but she has never let that stand in her way," she said.

"In March 2013, she became the first registered blind chartered public accountant, which was testimony to the hard work and graft she put in to make it happen.

"Saima is an exceptional person who looks to find solutions when faced with challenges, helping and inspiring others through sharing and learning from her own personal challenges and experiences."

'Fantastic ambassador'

The force representative said Det Supt Dave McCaughrean, who retired in 2023 after 34 years in policing, had also been honoured with a King's Police Medal.

They said Det Supt McCaughrean was the chairman of the Superintendents’ Association and sat on the Superintendents' Association Committee on Merseyside.

Ms Kennedy said he had been "a critical friend to the organisation and was always available, whether on or off duty, to provide strong counsel".

She added that he would "often go above and beyond his role, supporting the wellbeing of colleagues when they were in need".

"Dave was always proud of his role as a police officer and I know he was particularly proud to work for Merseyside Police.

"He was a fantastic ambassador for the force and was always eager to highlight the work for force was delivering regionally, nationally and internationally.

"It is fantastic to see that he has been awarded the KPM."