A dedicated humanitarian from Great Dunmow who has led the British Red Cross response to disasters across the world for more than 25 years has been made an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours.

Michael Goodhand began in the charity sector in 1989, working in Angola while in sabbatical from his private sector role as a logistics manager.

He then went on to work for the International Federation of the Red Cross, setting up a refugee camp in Yemen leading up to and during the 1990-91 Gulf War, and from there was recruited to London to form a British Red Cross logistics department. In 1991 he came to work for the charity permanently as head of logistics – a position he has maintained ever since.

Since then, Mike has led the logistics for every humanitarian response operation – including natural disasters such as the Asian tsunami, hurricane Katrina, the Haitian earthquake and the Philippines typhoon. Having assessed the needs, Mike deploys his team to set up the best possible supply chain to deliver what affected people need, when and where they need it.

Mike said: “Receiving the OBE is great recognition of the team I’ve got and had, and it’s great that it recognises how logistics play a key role in the humanitarian work overseas.

“When I first heard about the award, the only person I told was my mother – and she was delighted. For all the grief and anxiety we put our families and friends through, it seemed right that I should tell her first. But I feel really lucky to have been able to do such a worthwhile job for the Red Cross Movement.”

Mike Adamson, chief executive of the British Red Cross, said: “I am so delighted for Mike. He has been a very dedicated member of staff at the British Red Cross for many years, and is an exemplary leader to his team. He truly deserves this recognition.

“Congratulations, Mike. And thank you for all you have done to support people in crisis. We are all so very proud of you and everything you have achieved.”