A North East mum who lost her beloved sons has been awarded an MBE for her charitable work in their memory.
Last night (Friday), it was announced that Sarah Cookson, from South Shields, had received the award for her work with her organisation, The Charlie and Carter Foundation, which helps families who have children with life-limiting illnesses.
The organisation was founded alongside her husband, Chris, in memory of their sons, Charlie, who passed away in 2013 at the age of two, and Carter, who passed away in 2019 after a heart donor could not be found.
Due to her experiences, Ms Cookson was motivated to ensure other families have the support they need when dealing with such taxing circumstances.
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She said the foundation is the culmination of a team effort, and she has felt honoured that their work has been recognised on such a scale.
She said: “It’s surreal, I feel extremely honoured. My husband got one last year for the charity work that we’ve been doing. We’ve both said whatever we get, it’s for the team.
“It’s for everyone that’s done anything for the charity. For me to be awarded one was a shock, I’m just overwhelmed.
“It’s bittersweet, because obviously we’re in this situation because of our two boys, we’d change it around in a heartbeat if we could.
“We’ve been on the receiving end of what they’re going through twice in our lifetime, if we can help take away a little bit of their stress. We want it to be as worry-free, financially-wise as we can.
“There’s a lot of people behind this ship that keeps it turning, staff, donators, everybody works really hard and you see the effect it has on the parents.”
She said Christmas has been very difficult for them as they remember Carter, who was born on Boxing Day, but they try to remain busy and help others to get through this.
Meanwhile, she said the ongoing cost-of-living crisis has had a serious impact on the families her foundation supports, with some seeing their energy bills double.
To aid the foundation fundraising efforts, Ms Cookson has organised events including Boxing Day Dips, Great North Runs, charity treks and tabletop sales
Meanwhile, Ms Cookson said the award comes as a welcome surprise after her husband was presented with his award by Princess Anne in London recently.
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She said: “If somebody asked us what the biggest highlight is, it’s just the fact that we’re still going, that is the biggest achievement.”
Following Carter’s passing, the foundation has sought to raise awareness surrounding the importance of organ donation.
Adding to this, Ms Cookson has created the AGM fundraising night, the last of which brought in £17,000, while also opening a retail shop in South Shields creating more jobs in the area.
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With this store, she has also worked with South Tyneside Council to work with local students with autism.
At present, her charity has supported 93 families who have children with life-limiting conditions and given away £279,000.
She has also started Able to Dance, a dance school for children with disabilities, autism and learning difficulties.
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