FUNDRAISING parents Richard and Nikki Bowdidge will today be recognised for their efforts by Prime Minister Theresa May.

The pair set up the Tom Bowdidge Foundation in memory of their son, who died aged 19 while fighting an aggressive stomach cancer.

Before he died, former Colchester Royal Grammar School pupil Tom raised more than £170,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The Prime Minister has written personally to the West Bergholt couple to award them the Points of Light award, which recognises outstanding people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

Since launching the charity, the couple have raised more than £500,000 to support young people living with cancer, and their families, as well as funding research into cures for teenage cancers.

In a personal letter to Mr and Mrs Bowdidge, the PM said: “Together, through the Tom Bowdidge Foundation, you are providing invaluable physical and emotional support to young people living with cancer, as well as supporting their family members.

“It is an extraordinary way to honour the memory of your son Tom, and you should be very proud of what you have achieved.”

Nikki and Richard said: “It is a great honour to receive the Points of Light Award on behalf of the Tom Bowdidge Foundation.

“Without the support of the foundation’s trustees, donors and volunteers, we would not have been able to fulfil Tom’s vision.

“Throughout his illness, Tom wanted to set up a charity that would support teenagers and young people with cancer.

“He knew there was much work to be done and this is what forms the basis of the charity today.

“Whether it be the need to fund a research project, provide dedicated and age appropriate hospital facilities or to make an individual grant that will help a family or young cancer sufferer, our work will never stop.

“Receiving this award from the Prime Minister is confirmation that we are making a difference to the lives of teenagers and young people with cancer.”

MP Will Quince said the award was “thoroughly deserved”.

He added: “I have known Nikki and Richard for several years now and have found the fundraising and work they have done in Tom’s name to be truly inspirational.

"Having experienced such a terrible personal tragedy, Nikki and Richard have created the most incredible legacy for Tom which will benefit so many young people sadly living with cancer.

"Their recognition via a Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award is thoroughly well deserved."