Charity founder's MBE medal stolen in burglary

The founder of a Yorkshire children's charity has said he was "heartbroken" to discover that his MBE medal was stolen during a burglary at his home.

Mike Davies founded The Principle Trust Children's Charity to offer respite breaks and support to disadvantaged children, and was appointed MBE in 2018.

The medal was in a safe which was stolen from his home in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, on Saturday night, police confirmed.

Davis said: "I am heartbroken that it has been taken, and I appeal to anyone who knows anything about the medal or its whereabouts to please get in touch."

Davies said receiving the medal was one of the proudest moments of his life.

Police officers have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

The force has also asked people to check online marketplaces in case the medal is being offered for sale.

Davies set up a nutritional supplement company called Principle Healthcare in 2002, with its headquarters in Skipton, North Yorkshire.

He founded The Principle Trust in 2011 to provide holidays and support to thousands of children from disadvantaged, disabled, trauma-affected and low-income families throughout Yorkshire.

To date, the charity has provided respite breaks for more than 5,400 children across the region, to places such as Blackpool, Filey and the Lake District.

Davies was appointed MBE for services to business and to disadvantaged children in North Yorkshire, and given his medal by The Prince of Wales.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police are investigating a report of a residential burglary at a property in Ilkley which occurred on the evening of Saturday 7 February."

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