Somerset cancer charity receives Prime Minister's award

Ben Saunders' family said they want to "fulfil his last wish"

A charity that provides family holidays to young people with terminal illnesses has been awarded by the Prime Minister.

The Ben Saunders Foundation, based in Somerset, was created three weeks before he died of cancer in August 2020, at the age of 18.

Rishi Sunak gave it a Points of Light Award, which recognises volunteers, charity leaders or community champions.

Ben's parents, Tom and Jo Saunders, said: "Our wish to fulfil Ben's last wish burns stronger everyday.

"From the minute we wake up, to the moment we go to bed, we think about how we can improve and what we can do to raise the profile."

Ben Saunders (middle) set up the foundation three weeks before he died

During his illness, Ben, from Bath, was gifted a holiday by the Reece Hawley Foundation.

His parents said this had a "profound" effect on him and led to the creation of the charity. 

Mr and Mrs Saunders said Ben's aim was to provide teenagers and young adults with the opportunity to spend some quality time with their friends and families both before, during or after their cancer treatment.

The foundation has now raised more than £550,000 and provided holidays for around 275 families in its three retreat lodges.

Since it was created the charity has expanded to support younger children and bereaved parents across the UK, and hosts regular charity fundraisers including galas, football matches and charity runs.

The Prime Minister awards the Points of Light every week day to an "outstanding individual volunteer, charity leader or community champion".

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