Cancer survivor, educator and community champion David Radcliffe awarded MBE for lifetime of service

County Antrim man David Radcliffe, awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2026

County Antrim man David Radcliffe has spent decades shaping young lives in classrooms across Northern Ireland, overcome cancer not once but twice, returned to work after losing a leg, inspired countless pupils through his determination, and even captured the hearts of television viewers on a national game show.

Now, his extraordinary contribution has been recognised with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

The former principal of Harpur’s Hill Primary School in Coleraine has been honoured for services to education and the community in Coleraine, recognising a career defined by dedication, resilience and a commitment to helping others thrive.

At 60 years old, the respected educator remains active in school leadership despite repeatedly attempting retirement.

Following his departure from Harpur’s Hill, he has continued supporting schools across Northern Ireland, including periods as acting principal of Balnamore Primary School during its final year, Associate Principal at Gracehill Primary School near Ballymena, and most recently at Kilmoyle Primary School.

A career built around children and community

Born in Banbridge, David grew up in a farming family and initially faced a choice between following his father into agriculture or pursuing a career in education.

Education won.

It proved to be a decision that would shape not only his own life but the lives of generations of children who passed through the schools he served.

David spent 29 years at Harpur’s Hill Primary School, including 23 years as principal, where he earned widespread respect for his child-centred approach to leadership and education.

Under his leadership, the school flourished and, in 2024, was awarded the prestigious Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark Award by Nurture UK, recognising excellence in supporting pupils’ emotional wellbeing and development.

His contribution to education was also recognised in 2018 when he received the Inspirational Educator of the Year title at the Causeway Coast and Glens People of the Year Awards.

Facing cancer twice and refusing to give up

While David’s professional achievements alone would make for a remarkable story, it is his personal resilience that has inspired so many people across Northern Ireland.

In 1996, he was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, an extremely rare form of cancer. Following surgery to remove a tumour, he successfully returned to school life and continued his career.

Seventeen years later, however, the disease returned.

In June 2013, David, who now lives in Ballybogey, County Antrim, discovered a familiar firmness in the same area at the top of his left leg.

After further chemotherapy and radiotherapy, doctors were forced to take the drastic step of amputating his leg in order to prevent the cancer from returning.

Rather than allowing the setback to define him, David focused on what he could still achieve.

Inspired by the story of double-amputee RAF hero Douglas Bader, he set himself two goals following surgery: to stand before his pupils and address them at prize day, and to play golf again.

On June 1, 2015, he achieved both ambitions.

Although he joked that his golf ball did not travel particularly straight, his determination sent a far more powerful message to those around him.

Returning to school life with a prosthetic limb, he became a source of inspiration for pupils, many of whom were fascinated by what they affectionately called his “robotic leg”.

Using sport to inspire others

David’s recovery did not stop at returning to work.

He embraced new sporting challenges, taking up tennis through Causeway Community Tennis Club and later becoming involved with the Causeway Giants wheelchair basketball club.

His involvement has helped encourage others living with disabilities to remain active, confident and connected within their communities.

Throughout his cancer journey, David has repeatedly spoken about the importance of faith in helping him navigate life’s darkest moments.

He credits scripture and his Christian beliefs with providing strength and perspective during years of uncertainty and treatment.

A surprise honour kept secret for weeks

Speaking to Love Ballymena after learning he would receive an MBE, David admitted the news came completely out of the blue.

“I was totally shocked to hear that I had achieved the award as it came out of the blue and it’s not something you expect,” he said.

“It is lovely, however, that someone has felt the need to put my name forward. I must have done something right.”

The award remained a closely guarded secret for several weeks after he received official notification in April. Not even David’s wife was told.

“The hardest part was keeping it a secret. You get the notification in April and it’s not made public until June. That was definitely the biggest challenge.”

Earlier, David had reflected on the recognition with characteristic modesty, saying:

“To be truthful, I don’t know who put my name forward or why I’ve received it, because all I’ve done is my job, and I like to think I’ve done it to the best of my ability.

“It’s a lovely honour to receive. I’m delighted with it.”

Fond memories of Gracehill and Ballymena

Among his most recent educational roles was a six-month spell at Gracehill Primary School, Ballymena, where he helped support the school during a leadership transition.

Looking back on that period, David spoke warmly of the experience.

“I had a wonderful six months in Gracehill, helping the school while they went through the process of getting a new principal,” he said.

“It was a pleasure working in such a wonderful learning environment. The children were so caring and kind, the staff were so welcoming and the parents were incredibly supportive of the school. I just loved my time there.”

Living life to the full

David’s positive outlook was also evident earlier this year when he appeared alongside his daughter Emma on ITV’s ‘Ant & Dec’s Limitless Win’.

The pair captured national attention and walked away with an impressive £75,000 prize.

For David, however, the experience represented far more than the money.

Following years of health challenges, it was another reminder of the importance of embracing opportunities, creating memories and enjoying time with family.

Speaking previously about his outlook on life, he reflected:

“I’m 60 now and I think cancer and losing my leg has changed my perspective in life and I want to live for the moment and enjoy life to its full.”

That philosophy remains central to how he approaches life today.

“When you go through cancer, the future can look very dark,” he told Love Ballymena.

“However, when you have faith, you are not alone on your journey and there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

He said the Bible verse Joshua 1:9 helped him enormously, and also drew strength from the famous words of Minnie Louise Haskins’ poem The Gate of the Year, quoted by King George VI in his 1939 Christmas broadcast:

‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.’

“It summed up what you are facing and how you need to put your trust in God,” he said.

‘Teaching is the best job in the world’

Despite receiving one of the country’s highest honours, David remains grounded in the profession that shaped his life.

Reflecting on the career path he chose as a teenager, he laughed that his mother ultimately won the debate over whether he should become a farmer or a teacher.

“My father was a farmer and at 17 years of age I had the choice of farming or going into education,” he said.

“My mother won that discussion and I haven’t looked back.

“Teaching is the best job in the world. There is no better feeling than seeing a child with a smile on their face and bouncing into school each day.”

As for celebrations, David says he has yet to make any firm plans.

What matters most, he says, is sharing the moment with the family who stood beside him throughout every challenge.

“I’m not one for big celebrations, but I will do something with my family because they deserve recognition for being so supportive during my cancer journey and helping me through life with one leg.”

David Radcliffe’s MBE recognises much more than a distinguished career in education. It honours a life marked by courage, faith, humility and service — and a determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles placed in his path.