A FLITNSHIRE woman has been recognised in the New Year's Honours list for her work supporting young people with cancer.

Mandy Giddins, from Flint, has received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for 'voluntary and charitable services to Young People with Cancer'.

Mandy's son Jordan died aged just 18 years old on April 27, 2017, having lost his battle with Ewings Sarcoma.

At 11 years old, he was also diagnosed with HLH, a rare blood disease. He went through harsh chemotherapy, high dose steroids and eventually a bone marrow transplant from his sister.

His death led mum Mandy to set up the Giddo's Gift charity in his memory and to help other young people - and their families - who are going through similar battles.

Giddo's Gift's aims are to provide grants and gifts for teenagers and young adults, 13-24 years suffering from cancer within Wales and North West England.

People from across Wales have been recognised for their selfless service to others this New Year.

The King’s New Year Honours List includes recipients who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities and the country as a whole.

Mandy said she was in 'complete shock' to find out that she had been recognised on that list.

Speaking to the Leader, she said: "At first, when I opened that letter it looked nondescript, but when I realised what it was I was in complete shock.

"It was obviously very emotional, as I was thinking of Jordan."

TOP STORIES TODAY

Mandy added: "To think that someone has taken the time to nominate me for this is quite humbling and completely overwhelming. I'm just blown away by it to be honest.

"I'm just very, very proud and it's a great way to keep Jordan's name and memory alive, he deserved a medal of his own.

"This medal is not just for me, but for the whole team at Giddo's Gift. The messages of congratulations I've received have been fantastic and I can't thank people enough for them."

Mandy says that in 2024, Giddo's Gift will once again have a number of fundraisers up and running and will look to build on its success to date.

She added: "For the last six years, we've worked endlessly to improve the lives of young people with cancer and it's all about continuing to build year on year.

"We're a small team at the moment, so we will be looking to grow in that respect too.

"We have just this week received our most substantial donation to date so that will go a long way towards helping us achieve our goals.

"We are going to meet up next week to discuss what we can do to make 2024 another year to remember."

As with previous years, Giddo's Gift will kick off 2024 with its January challenge fundraiser.

Participants are asked to (for a £5 entry fee) complete 250,000 steps and record them on their phone or watch throughout the month to receive a certificate.

Visit the charity's Facebook page for more details on that.