British Citizen Award for care packs charity founder

A charity founder is to receive a British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of her contribution to the community.

Melanie Hersey, from Cambridgeshire, has been named among 26 people to receive the BCA Medal of Honour for services to volunteering and charitable giving.

She founded Touch of Sparkle in 2015 to provide comfort and distraction for cancer patients undergoing treatment or surgery. She will be honoured at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on 22 January.

The charity donates cancer care packs to hospital units, including Addenbrooke's and Hinchingbrooke Hospitals, and the Peterborough Oncology Day Unit and Cancer Wellbeing Service.

Touch of Sparkle has donated more than 9,000 cancer care packs and 14,000 reward toys.

The toys are given to children attending hospital for tests or procedures, helping to reduce anxiety.

Care packs are designed for both male and female cancer patients at any stage of treatment and include practical items, distractions and treats such as puzzle books, toiletries, herbal teas, hot chocolate, snacks and wildflower seeds.

The British Citizen Award recognises individuals who make a positive impact in their communities across the UK.

Stephanie Wood, from BCA partner One Stop, said this year's recipients reflected the "incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times".

She added: "We're honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.