A FORMER Ashburton man who is working to support the global response to Covid is ‘absolutely delighted’ he has been awarded the OBE for his services to international development.
The family of Danny Graymore were also thrilled to learn he had received the OBE in the New Year’s Honours.
Danny, who lives just outside Geneva in a town called Mies in Switzerland, is head of the Global Funds Department at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. He is currently seconded from the FCDO to the World Health Organisation as Director Strategic Engagement.
‘I was absolutely delighted, mainly because of the recognition of the brilliant, brilliant people I have had the great privilege to work with, who constantly go above and beyond, particularly throughout 2020, and who really deserve the credit for all that’s been achieved in supporting global health, the UK hosted Global Vaccine Summit, the response to COVID and much else,’ said Danny.
‘The UK has played a lead role supporting countries across the world to invest in education, health, good governance, jobs and livelihoods, responding to humanitarian crises and the challenge of climate change and supporting more sustainable futures.
‘I am very proud of the UK’s leadership.
‘I always wanted to work in international development since studying Geography at Knowles Hill School.
‘My previous work was with Diabetes UK, MERLIN (a humanitarian NGO), Christian Aid and the Department for International Development, which merged in the summer with the FCO to form the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
‘My last role was head of the Global Funds Department and UK senior representative Geneva at FCDO, a role I left last Autumn.
‘I am now seconded to the World Health Organisation as Director Strategic Engagement, which includes work to support the global response to COVID.’
His mum, Kay, said: ‘We are extremely proud of Danny and the work he is doing anyway so this is a real bonus.’
Danny, aged 50, attended Ashburton Primary School then Knowles Hill School in Newton Abbot before gaining a degree in geography at University College, London.
He also has a Masters in Development Studies from South Bank University, London and a PostGrad Diploma in Economics from The School of Oriental and African Studies.
He moved with his mum and dad, Clive and Kay, to Ashburton when he was three.
‘I love Ashburton. It was a wonderful place to grow up with my amazing Mum, my lovely Dad and my three wonderful sisters, Mischka, Tania and Ellysia.
‘It was a lovely warm and supportive community, right on the edge of Dartmoor. I try and get back to Devon as often as I can.’