Professor Christina Cunliffe, principal of the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.

Professor Cunliffe (nee Grafton) was born and lived in the Devonshire buildings in Barrow before gaining her degree at Manchester University. 

Professor Cunliffe’s career spans over four decades, marked by pioneering efforts in healthcare education, with a 25 year focus on developing chiropractic education in the UK and abroad.

Serving on the General Chiropractic Council, its education committee and investigating committee, and as treasurer of the Royal College of Chiropractors, she has been at the forefront of the development of the profession during this time.

Since 1998, she has led the McTimoney College of Chiropractic, transforming it from a single-site institution into a global entity with campuses in Oxfordshire, Manchester, Madrid, Hong Kong and soon to be Northern Ireland.

Under her leadership, the McTimoney College has become a beacon for chiropractic education through offering innovative programmes that train chiropractors for both people and animals, emphasising access to education for working adults.

A still practising chiropractor, Professor Cunliffe is a fellow of both the Royal College of Chiropractors and the Royal Society of Biology and holds a PhD from the University of Manchester together with being awarded a personal chair in chiropractic by the University of Wales in 2010.

A statement from the McTimoney College of Chiropractic reads: “Professor Cunliffe’s OBE is a testament to her unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare education and her significant impact on the chiropractic profession.”

A number of notable people from south Cumbria have been included in His Majesty The King’s 2025 Birthday Honours.

The Honours system gives national recognition to people who have given exceptional service in public and community life and are committed to making a difference to those around them.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria Alexander Scott took the time to celebrate those representing the county in this year’s list.

He commented: “It’s a moment of great pride for our county to see so many Cumbrian residents recognised in HM The King’s Birthday Honours.

“I’m especially pleased by the number of recipients this year, it reflects the depth of commitment, compassion and service that runs through our communities.”