A MUM-OF-TWO who launched a charity to save children's broken hearts says she is ‘overwhelmed’ after being awarded a British Citizen Award.
Claire Cathcart, from Moss Bank is one of only 25 individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours.
The British Citizen Award, is now in its eighth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities, charities, and individual cause.
Claire created Team 1C after being inspired by the hard work of hospitals, staff and surgeons who helped save her son Jake’s life after he was born with a congenital heart defect.
Claire made many friends in hospital and decided that a support network was very much needed for parents and carers of children with heart conditions.
When Claire at was at her son’s CICU bedside in London, 200 miles away from home in the middle of the pandemic, Jake received a heart transplant and she raised more than £5,000 for Alder Hey children’s Hospital and the Sick Children’s Trust.
As an individual and as part of Team 1c, Claire has raised more than £100,000 for charity, from running 10k in the dark, heavily pregnant, to organising Gala evenings, whilst caring for a child with complex health needs.
The money Claire has raised both alone and with Team 1C has funded heart surgeries for 163 children abroad, with 12 children having being operated on this month alone thanks to the latest Healing Little Hearts camp funding by Team 1C to send a heart surgeon abroad.
Closer to home, Claire has also raised money for parent accommodation and hospital equipment. Her ultimate aim for Team 1C is to support cardiac children as they become adults, assisting with finances, jobs, qualifications as well as their health.
Claire will be honoured on July 7 with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving at the Palace of Westminster and will receive the coveted Medal of Honour. As a legacy of her achievements, Claire will be invited to use the post-nominals, BCAv.
This is especially impressive, since Jake has also previously been awarded the child’s version of the same award, the British Youth Citizen Award for his bravery and inspiring Team 1C into existence.
Speaking exclusively to the St Helens Star, Claire said: “I just couldn’t believe I have been awarded this to be honest.
“I know my sister and friend nominated me but to be honest I didn’t think any more about it, it’s certainly not why I do what I do but when I got told I’ve been awarded this I frankly was overwhelmed.
“When you put all we have been through into perspective, nearly losing Jake and then meeting all these amazing people along the way who helped us and others, then it’s just incredible really to think I’m being praised for my part in that.
“We’ve been through a lot of trauma, especially through the pandemic, but now it’s time to celebrate and I cannot wait to go to London and receive this honour.
“It’s very, very exciting.”
The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV news presenter Naga Munchetty, and attended by BCA Patron Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon, Lord Dholakia.
The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked.
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