South Norfolk woman recognised by prime minister for vital charity work
Victoria Bacon and Sarah Hope receive their award from Neil Bush in America. - Credit: Archant
Twin sisters who set up a charity in the wake of a family tragedy have been named Points of Light by prime minister David Cameron.
Victoria Bacon and Sarah Hope, from Pulham St Mary and London, set up their family charity, Elizabeth's Legacy of Hope, in memory of their mother Elizabeth.
In 2007, three generations of their family were involved in a bus collision in London.
Elizabeth tragically lost her life, Sarah was badly injured, and Sarah's two-year-old daughter Pollyanna had to have her right leg amputated.
After the tragedy, the sisters decided they wanted to do good work in their mother's name and set up the charity to provide support for children across the world who have lost limbs – after seeing how much Pollyanna benefited from a prosthetic leg.
The charity now helps almost 220 amputee children in Sierra Leone and Liberia and is in the process of setting up a clinic in India.
Points of Light are outstanding volunteers who make a change in their community and inspire others. Every week day the prime minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the award, which was developed in partnership with the Points of Light programme in America - first established by President George H.W. Bush.
Most Read
- 1 EXCLUSIVE: US tycoons in Norwich City investment talks
- 2 M&S to close 32 stores as part of move away from town centres
- 3 Where you can see the Red Arrows over Norfolk this weekend
- 4 'Our homes will be destroyed' - Neighbours' fears over proposed pylon route
- 5 Man claims supermarket fuel was contaminated as he reveals £200 repair bill
- 6 Revealed: Your favourite fish and chip shop in Norfolk
- 7 Norwich pub selling out on Sundays with new head chef's roast dinners
- 8 Scammers targeting Norfolk homes with fake parcel deliveries
- 9 Sweet Briar Road to reopen TODAY
- 10 Serious road crash hotspots in Norfolk revealed as fatalities fall
David Cameron said: 'Sarah and Victoria and their families have shown incredible strength in overcoming a terrible accident and working tirelessly to help others facing life-changing injuries. By providing the same excellent medical care Pollyanna received to children in developing nations, they have given children hope for the future, enabled them to be active and live their lives to the full.'
After the sisters received their Point of Light award from Neil Bush in America, Victoria said: 'We are so delighted to receive this award, it is truly amazing.
'Not only will this help us as we try to reach out to help as many amputees as we can in the developing world, but also we want to help spread the message about the joy – and many true benefits – of volunteering.'
Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their charity work? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk