Cancer charity founders among King's honours

Lynn and Lynn Lucas founded a charity in memory of their son Christopher who died from cancer aged 18

A couple who founded a cancer charity after their son's death and a regionally renowned sausage seller are among those celebrated in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Twenty six people from the North East of England have been named among the recipients.

Lynn and Lynn Lucas, founders of the Chris Lucas Trust, are both appointed MBEs, as is Michael Dickson, chairman of the Dicksons pie and saveloy dip shops.

Long-serving scout and beaver leader Carol Preston and X Factor singer Sharna Bowman are among those receiving the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Lynn and Lynn Lucas said they were overwhelmed by their honours

Mr and Mrs Lucas, from Wallsend, founded the Chris Lucas Trust in memory of their son who died aged 18 in 2000 from Rhabdomyosarcoma.

They have raised more than £2m to fund research into curing the rare form of cancer which predominantly affects children and young adults.

A spokeswoman for the Cabinet office, which publishes the honours, said they had "dedicated their lives" to raising research funds and had made a "monumental effort" in their son's memory.

"Their efforts have made a remarkable difference in the advancement of Rhabdomyosarcoma research," the spokeswoman said.

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Lucas said the honour felt "unreal" and "overwhelming".

They said: "We were a normal working family until our lives were changed forever after our first born Christopher was diagnosis of rare cancer which took him from us.

"This recognition means the world to us and all our close family and friends who still support what we do.

"Parents should never outlive their children."

Michael Dickson is appointed MBE for services to his community

Dicksons was founded in South Shields in 1953 by Michael Dickson's parents Irwin and Helen and has grown from two shops to 32, employing 330 people.

Mr Dickson, who is receiving his honour for services to the food industry and the Tyne and Wear community, said it was a "complete surprise" and he was "truly humbled", adding the firm would "never have survived and thrived without the dedication and loyalty of our staff".

Michael Dickson worked for his family firm before becoming its chairman

Also appointed MBEs are:

• Former NHS chief nurse Gary O’Hare from Newcastle for services to mental health and disabilities

• Invest Newcastle co-creator Jennifer Hartley from Gateshead for services to business and trade

• Harry Wilson, owner and chairman of UK Docks, from Washington for services to the marine engineering industry in his 67-year-long career

• Deborah Ward, executive headteacher of WISE Academies, from Newcastle for services to education

Carol Preston, from Newcastle, is receiving the BEM for services to young people, having been a beaver leader with the 82nd Newcastle Scout Group for more than 30 years.

Sharna Bowman, from Sunderland, is receiving her medal for services to young people's mental health and wellbeing.

After appearing on the X Factor in 2016, she "noticed many of her young fans were scribbling their own faces out of meet and greet photos" which "inspired her to teach young people about mental health", the Cabinet Office spokeswoman said.