Memory-making charity receives Royal recognition

Me&dee, a charity which provides memory-making experiences for thousands of families where a life-limiting condition has been diagnosed, has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS).

Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest award given to local voluntary groups in the UK, and they are awarded for life.

Me&dee, which operates from a small office in Melbourne, Derbyshire, was founded by Maria Hanson MBE.

Since it was created 19 years ago the charity has supported 9,000 families.

It specialises in providing things that many families take for granted – including group swimming sessions at Moorways Sports Village and Water Park in Derby, outings for families, support for siblings through craft sessions and a specialist bereavement support group.

The King’s Awards for Voluntary Service (KAVS) are announced annually on 14 November, the birthday of King Charles

Recipients of the award receive a certificate signed by King Charles, a domed glass crystal and are invited to a Royal garden party.

Maria, founder and unsalaried chief executive of me&dee, said she was “overwhelmed and overjoyed” that her charity, which is run mostly by volunteers, has been recognised by His Majesty.

Maria said: “This news is truly wonderful and I am very happy that me&dee has been named winners in this year’s King’s Award.

“It is more than I could ever have imagined when I set up me&dee all those years ago.

“My focus has always been to help and support as many families as I can and that is why we still do what we do.

“me&dee is volunteer led – from its CEO to its trustees, and is based in a tiny office with a small team of just four.

“Without our wonderful volunteers who literally roll up their sleeves to help support our families, we would not be who we are today.

“Our volunteers are compassionate, have huge hearts and a great deal of empathy.

“They want to make a difference and I am extremely proud of every one of them.”

Maria is affectionately known as ‘Derby’s Fairy Godmother’ because of the continuing support she gives families facing challenging times.

Despite battling her own disabilities, she works tirelessly to sprinkle joy into people’s lives with her continuing care programme, which has been designed to work hand in-hand with families.
The number of families seeking support from me&dee has risen every year since it set up 19 years ago.

Since the start, its vision has always been simple – to make sure that no family facing the most difficult times copes on their own.

Maria, who also provides round-the-clock phone support, said: “We are an extremely small charity that is always thinking big – and we do this thanks to our amazing volunteers.

“Our mission is to support as many families as we can, as well as working hard to raise funds, which is an enormous challenge for
us.”