In a historic recognition, a British nine-year-old charity founder has won the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to preventing child abuse, becoming the youngest person ever to do so. Tony Hudgell, a double amputee from West Malling, Kent, who lost both legs due to injuries inflicted by his birth parents, co-founded the Tony Hudgell Foundation and helped raise more than £1.7m for charity during the pandemic. Tony is believed to have broken the record previously held by fundraiser Tobias Weller as the youngest-ever recipient of an honour. Weller was 11 when he received a BEM two years ago.
Ms Hudgell, Tony’s adoptive mother, who was made an OBE last year, praised Tony for his commitment to preventing child abuse. “It’s nice as he does not want any other child to suffer like he did,” she said. “I am very proud of him, and it’s a wonderful legacy for him.” Paula Hudgell’s family successfully campaigned for tougher sentencing of child abusers. Tony, who has already met famous personalities including the Princess of Wales, was happy when he found out he was to be honoured.
Apart from Tony, several other personalities have been honoured for their contributions to their communities. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has become a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO), a gift from King Charles independently bestowed to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way. Dickon Love has been appointed MBE for services to bell ringing in Kent and London, while British Transport Police Det Supt Gareth Williams has been appointed MBE for services to policing. Founder of the Hygiene Bank Elizabeth Hall, from Sevenoaks, has been recognised for services to tackling hygiene poverty, and Kent College Canterbury chair of governors Joan Cocking has been recognised for services to education. Explosives officer Michael Kettle has been recognised for services to bomb disposal in Kent.
The New Year Honours List recognises people who have made a significant contribution to their communities or nationwide. This year, more than 53% of awardees were women, and 11% identified as having a disability. The government has faced criticism in the past for the male-heavy list. The honours are awarded twice a year, in New Year and the Queen’s Birthday honours. Nominees are assessed by committees made up of civil servants and independent experts
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