Tom and Joanne Saunders, from Bath, have received the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister for their extraordinary efforts in raising almost £600,000 to assist families impacted by cancer. The couple established the Ben Saunders Foundation in memory of their son, Ben, who tragically succumbed to cancer.
Honoring outstanding individuals effecting positive change in their communities, the Points of Light award was given to Tom and Joanne as the 2,195th and 2,196th recipients since its inception in 2014. Ben, their son, conceived the concept of offering family breaks to young adults battling cancer during his own treatment. His passing in August 2020, at the tender age of 18, spurred the foundation’s mission.
Expanding their support to encompass younger children and grieving parents across the UK, the Ben Saunders Foundation’s impact has not gone unnoticed. Bath MP Wera Hobhouse expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the couple for their remarkable achievement and acknowledged their invaluable contribution to the Bath community.
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Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, praised Tom and Joanne’s dedication, stating, “The ‘Ben Saunders Foundation,’ established in memory of their son, Ben, is a truly inspirational endeavor. Their provision of over 300 retreat lodges to bring solace to families during their most challenging times is a source of immense pride for our community.”
In response, Tom and Joanne conveyed, “Everything we do is in memory of our son, and this recognition has deeply moved us.”