Sussex Charity Founder "Deeply Honoured" By BEM Award

Tuesday, 2 January 2024 06:11

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Jan Seward with the 5k run winner of Out Run Cancer 2019

Founder of West Sussex charity Cancer United has been reacting to her appearance in King Charles III's first list of New Year Honours.

Jan Sheward was awarded the BEM (Medal of the Order of the British Empire) given "for her outstanding contributions to the area of support for people with cancer in West Sussex"

Cancer United is a charitable organisation dedicated to providing support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by cancer., that Jan Sheward founded in 2012

The charity describes itself as a "pioneer and leader" in the field of cancer specific exercise — specifically for pre-habilitation and rehabilitation, and offering a range of programmes and services to improve the lives of those impacted by this disease.

Cancer United also gives music and singing a special role within its work.

The charity said this is the second honour for Jan, who was recognised previously in 2022 as a Platinum Champion by her then Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall (now Queen Camilla) for her outstanding contribution as a volunteer in the year of Her (Late) Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

Jan Sheward said the award reflected the whole Cancer United team's work:

"I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive 'the Medal of the Order of the British Empire' which is a testament to the incredible work of the entire Cancer United team, our Trustees, dedicated volunteers and to the amazing individuals and families we serve.

"Together, we have made a significant and positive impact on the changing views of cancer support by the provision of facilities for pre-habilitation and rehabilitation through cancer specific exercise, social interaction, music and singing and I am committed to continuing this vitally important work."

More from Sussex News

Funding Available For Tree Planting In Chichester District as National Tree Week Begins

Chichester District Council is reminding landowners that funding is available to support tree planting projects across the Chichester District as part of its ‘Tree Chichester District’ initiative.
West Sussex Firefighters And Emergency Services Carry Out Training Exercise In Chichester Harbour

Firefighters have completed a joint training exercise with HM Coastguard, RNLI, and Chichester Harbour Masters Team to test their procedures in the event of a serious boat fire in Itchenor.
Shoreham Lifeboat’s Festive Look Boosted By Family-Run Business

A Brighton garden centre has declared itself 'delighted' to have been able to spread some festive cheer with a donation to Shoreham Lifeboat station.
Final Touches Being Made To £2m Sussex Wastewater Site Upgrade

A major improvement scheme at a West Sussex wastewater treatment works is being finalised to protect and enhance the local environment.
AllSaints Founder To Host Sustainable Fashion Show In Brighton To Raise Money For Homelessness In City

AllSaints Founder Stuart Trevor to host sustainable fashion show on Brighton i360 to raise money for homelessness in city
Chichester Community Warden Helping Fight Against Fraud This Christmas

A community warden at Chichester District Council is helping residents and businesses fight against fraud this Christmas.
Wealden Council Calls For Government Rethink On Winter Fuel Payment

Wealden councillors have called on the government to reconsider its decision surrounding the Winter Fuel Payment.
Snowy Protest At Lewes County Hall Calls For Fossil Fuel Divestment

Residents of East Sussex and Brighton & Hove braved snow and near-zero temperatures this morning (Thursday) to stage a 90-minute 'Divest for climate justice!' protest outside County Hall in Lewes.
Local MP Tours Firefighters’ Centre In Littlehampton

Bognor Regis and Littlehampton MP Alison Griffiths visited Fire Fighters Charity’s Marine Court in Littlehampton last Friday, meeting with firefighters, service users, and charity staff to learn about the health and wellbeing support provided to fire and rescue service personnel, some of whom are recovering from injury and illness.
Former Portslade Scout Leader Convicted Of 79 Child Sex Offences

A Hove man whose jobs gave him repeated access to children has been convicted of dozens of child sex offences.