In recognition of her efforts to enhance maternity care, a former nurse who has raised millions of pounds has been bestowed with an MBE in the King’s birthday honours.
Motivated by the tragic loss of her first three babies, Judy Ledger established the Baby Lifeline charity in 1981 to provide assistance to others facing similar challenges.
Beginning with a fundraising endeavor for a new incubator at the Coventry hospital where she both worked and experienced personal loss, she embarked on her journey to make a difference.
Since then, her life has been dedicated to supporting new mothers. The community champion expressed feeling “absolutely stunned and emotional” upon receiving the MBE.
For the past four decades, she has tirelessly advocated for advancements in maternity care, raising funds for neonatal unit equipment and introducing a program to supply midwifery bags to NHS trusts.
Hailing from Coventry, this mother of three and grandmother has not only crafted training courses for maternity care professionals in the UK but also extended her expertise to countries affected by war, offering valuable guidance and support.
In acknowledgment of her accomplishments, Ms. Ledger was bestowed with an Honorary Master’s degree by the University of Coventry in 1994. Additionally, in 2019, she was honored with the esteemed Distinguished Service Medal by the Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, further highlighting her remarkable contributions.
As part of a group of 68 individuals recognized for their exceptional service to their communities, she stands out as a prominent figure in the Midlands.
The inaugural Official Birthday Honours List of HM The King comprises individuals who have made substantial contributions to their local communities as well as the nation at large.
Numerous recipients have been acknowledged for their voluntary work, selflessly going the extra mile to assist others, without seeking significant recognition in return.
Karen Lynch, 54, from Rugby, is among the esteemed honorees, having been appointed an MBE for her remarkable act of donating her company’s profits to facilitate clean water access worldwide.
Throughout her tenure as CEO of Belu Water spanning a decade, Karen Lynch directed an impressive £5 million towards WaterAid, a charitable organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to underprivileged regions, thereby positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Source : bbc.com