Derbyshire Memory-Making Charity Receives Prestigious King's Award
A Derbyshire charity dedicated to helping families facing short and uncertain futures create lasting memories has been honoured with the King's Award for Voluntary Service. The Melbourne-based organisation, Me & Dee, received the award at a special ceremony surrounded by 90 guests.
Royal Recognition for Two Decades of Service
The award was presented to Me & Dee, founded by Maria Hanson MBE, by Mr David Coleman QPM DL and Lieutenant Colonel David Dawber TL DL on behalf of His Majesty the King. This prestigious recognition marks the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the United Kingdom, considered equivalent to an MBE.
The ceremony took place at The Central Co-op County Ground in Derby, with attendance from numerous civic dignitaries including:
- Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council
- Councillor Ajit Singh Atwal, the Mayor of Derby
- MPs Baggy Shanker and Samantha Niblett
- Maria's daughters
- Charity trustees, volunteers, and fundraisers
- Families supported by the charity
Exclusive Recognition Across Derbyshire
Last year, only three organisations across the entire county of Derbyshire achieved this distinguished status, highlighting the exceptional nature of this award. The charity received a certificate personally signed by the King along with a domed glass crystal as symbols of this royal recognition.
Maria Hanson and her charity were nominated specifically in recognition of their outstanding voluntary community service spanning the last twenty years. This nomination acknowledges two decades of dedicated work supporting families during challenging times.
Future Royal Invitation
As part of this honour, representatives from Me & Dee will receive an invitation to attend a royal garden party, providing further opportunity for recognition of their valuable community contributions. This invitation represents another significant milestone for the charity and its dedicated team of volunteers.
The King's Award for Voluntary Service continues to highlight exceptional community organisations across the United Kingdom, with Me & Dee now joining the select group of Derbyshire charities to receive this highest voluntary honour.
