A CHARITY worker has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list for transforming the lives of people in Ethiopia.

Mike King, from Bradwell-on-Sea, was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to the Ethiopia Hope charity.

The civil servant and wife Angie set up the project to support families in need after a trip to the country in 2004.

Since then, the couple have raised more than £250,000 for families in Ethiopia.

“To say I was stunned by being nominated for this award is an understatement. I never dreamt that I would be recognised in this way," said Mike.

“In 2004 my wife Angie and I travelled to Ethiopia and little did we know that this would be a life-changing trip.

"Having seen the plight of some of the people we decided to help. We set up a project called Ethiopia Hope and have returned to Ethiopia every year, supporting communities.

“To date we have fundraised over £250,000, every penny of which has supported many people.

"For example, 250 homes built, an ongoing project to set up electricity in homes which to date has helped 400 people, supporting scores of people into employment, help with medical needs, connecting water suppliers, a sponsorship scheme allowing children to go to school and day care, as well as a feeding and education programme for children and single mothers."

Gazette:

The charity has helped provide water to families in Ethiopia

Mike credits the 42 years of public service for inspiring him.

He started in 1979 at the Department for Health and Social Care before moving on to the Department for Work and Pensions where he is an operations manager covering five jobcentres in Essex.

“My career has been very varied, and I have always been proud to tell people where I work in DWP and how we change people’s lives every day," he said.

“As honoured as I am to get this award I feel that it has to be shared with so many people, none more so than my wife, but also the many family, friends and my fantastic colleagues in DWP who have supported the project with fundraising, donations and sponsorship.

“I have no doubt that the years in DWP helping and supporting people in my day-to-day work created the catalyst to help people in Ethiopia, both of which fills me with empathy and pride.”