Honour for founder of Rainbow Centre
A WOMAN who has dedicated her life to children with cerebral palsy has been awarded in the Queen's Birthday Honours.
Helen Somerset How received an MBE for her amazing work with the Rainbow Centre in Fareham.
In the 19 years since she co-founded the centre, it has helped more than 400 children through conductive education – a technique that helps coordinate movements and promote greater independence.
Without any government funding, it's been a constant effort to raise more than 500,000 every year to keep the centre open.
But Helen has been instrumental in that fundraising effort, including a move to a new 1.2m centre in Palmerston Drive in 2006.
The 59-year-old, whose 26-year-old son, Tom, has cerebral palsy, said: 'I'm flattered people think enough of me.
'It's very humbling. I can't really put it into words. It's just amazing.'
Helen was nominated by Susan Bayford, chairwoman of the centre's trustees.
Susan said: 'She's kept it going through the difficult years moving from the shop to raising most of the money for the new centre.
'She's worked herself into the ground but still supported her family, including looking after her son, Tom, who has cerebral palsy.
'In my mind, no-one is more deserving.'
Among others given an honour was Rachel Lowe, 31, who was awarded an MBE for services to business.
The mum-of-two from North End, Portsmouth, first came to public attention with an appearance on the BBC's Dragons' Den in 2005, where her idea for a board game called Destination, based on collecting taxi fares, met with a frosty reception.
But she was not put off and successfully created a string of board games, as well as lending her time to teaching and mentoring would-be entrepreneurs.
'When I first got the letter I cried actually,' she said. 'I cried for about four hours. My initial reaction was "I don't think I deserve to get this". It was only talking to my mum and dad I realised this wasn't for the company, it's because along the way I'd given up a huge amount of personal time.'
Hampshire Police's Chief Constable, Alex Marshall, was also on the honours list when he was awarded the Queen's Police Medal for 29 years service in the police.
The 47-year-old joined Hampshire Constabulary in October last year from Thames Valley Police.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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