A proud Midlands mother has shared the 'unexpected' moment her son was recognised with an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List 2026. Mikey Akers, from Balsall Common, was selected for his service to special needs education.
Mikey's Journey with Apraxia
Akers, 25, lives with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a lifelong neurological speech disorder. At the age of 13, he set up a Facebook page, Mikey's Wish - Verbal Dyspraxia Awareness, to share his story and ensure no other family would feel as alone as his. Due to his speech, language and communication needs, he struggled in school and began fundraising to support children with CAS and SEND.
Now an MBE, Akers is also considered an 'expert by experience' at Birmingham City University, where he gives talks to student speech and language therapists.
Family's Shock and Pride
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Louisa Akers, Mikey's mother, said: 'We were quite shocked when we opened the letter, it came completely out of the blue. Mikey was shocked too, but he was so humble and didn't say a lot about it.'
She added: 'I jokingly said to him that he must get a knighthood before I die now. After an MBE, what else is there to strive for? A lot of people think he was recognised because he has been through issues himself and come out the other side. He could have just gone on with his life but now he's giving back and helping other parents and children.'
Honours Ceremony Hopes
King's Birthday Honours List recipients are presented their title by either King Charles, Prince William or Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Those selected can choose date and location but will not know which member of the Royal Family will preside. Louisa added: 'Mikey's hoping for Prince William because they both support Aston Villa. He's hoping for Prince William but he won't know until the day.'
