Founder of Abigail's Footsteps appointed MBE

David and Jo Ward launched the charity in 2010 after their daughter Abigail was stillborn at 41 weeks

The founder of a baby loss charity that provides support for bereaved parents and families is among the recipients in the New Year Honours list.

David Ward, of Rochester, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to bereaved parents of stillborn children - particularly in Kent.

Mr Ward and his wife Jo founded Abigail's Footsteps in 2020, one year after their daughter Abigail Rose Ward was stillborn at 41 weeks.

"This award honours the memory of our daughter Abigail and acknowledges the wonderful, groundbreaking work that Abigail's team has accomplished over the past 15 years," he said.

Among the charity's greatest accomplishments is its work to develop the Abi Cooling Cot, which enables bereaved families to spend more time with their babies.

Alongside providing counselling for bereaved parents and support for maternity health professionals, Abigail's Footsteps has also produced and distributed two educational films aimed at teaching midwives about baby loss.

Meanwhile, former Doctor Who star and Maidstone resident Tom Baker becomes an MBE for his services to television.

The 90-year-old was the longest-serving Doctor, having played the fourth incarnation of the Time Lord for seven seasons between 1974 and 1981.

Elsewhere in Kent, Alexander Cameron has been appointed MBE for his services to heritage.

Since retiring from a 40-year career in avionics, Mr Cameron, who lives in Rochester, has been pivotal in delivering community-led regeneration through the High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme.

This four-year programme has unlocked the potential of 67 historic high streets across England, including the Old High Street Intra, which runs between Rochester and Chatham.

Wilhelmina Nina Cooper has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to charitable fundraising.

Ms Cooper, who has worked with the Deal Festival of Music and the Arts since 2003, has a particular passion for providing opportunities to take part in music making.

She has provided rich experiences in music and the arts for thousands of people over the last 20 years.