Parents of Bulford boy given Prime Minister's award
Jan and Barrie Burns have been named as a Points of Light winner.
The Burns family have been recognised by Boris Johnson, as part of the scheme to honour 'outstanding volunteers, who are making a change in their community'.
A winner's chosen every day, with the couple being selected for yesterday's award (Wednesday 25th November).
They've been highlighted for their work to raise more than £100,000 for the charity SUDEP Action, following the loss of their son Charlie, who passed away from Sudden Unexpected Death from Epilepsy at the age of 10, while the family lived in Bulford.
The family's also raised £20,000 for other charities including Family Activity Breaks (FAB) who supported them following Charlie's death.
Their work alongside the South Western Ambulance Trust has also led to a training package being set up for paramedics to identify and understand the symptoms and risks of epilepsy, to reduce the risk for future patients.
Last year, Jan and Barrie moved to Cornwall and set up their own charity, Charlie's Star, to provide respite breaks for families across the South West who have lost a child under the age of 19.
Jan and Barrie said:
"We are truly humbled to be recognised by the Prime Minister and to be awarded a Points of Light Award. Following the sudden and unexpected loss of our beautiful little boy Charlie we vowed that some good must come from our awful tragedy.
"Our lives changed forever, and we quickly realised we could make a huge difference to the lives of many other people. Charlie's legacy lives on through us and we are able to provide bereaved families who have lost a child some valuable time away to grieve and learn to smile again whilst creating new memories."