Scotty’s Little Soldiers founder, Nikki Scott, awarded a British Empire Medal in New Year's Honours

Nikki Scott the founder of bereaved military children’s charity set up in memory of a former March Neale-Wade pupil has been honoured by the Queen.

Nikki, who founded Scotty’s Little Soldiers in memory of her husband Corporal Lee Scott has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year's Honours.

The British Empire Medal is a British medal awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.

Nikki set up Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2010 in honour of her Lee known as Scotty, who was killed in Afghanistan the previous year. She saw the devastating impact Lee’s death had on their two young children, Kai who was five at the time and Brooke, who was just seven months old, and wanted to help others in the same situation.

Scotty’s is always there for bereaved British Forces children and young people to remind them they are not alone.

This includes offering wellbeing care and providing educational support and grants, respite breaks for families that need to get away, and gifts at extra difficult times of the year. Scotty’s also connects bereaved Forces families with others in the same situation by arranging events and activities to help them to feel part of a supportive community.

Commenting on being awarded a BEM, Nikki said: “This is a complete surprise and a huge honour. I’m delighted the work that Scotty’s does has been recognised in this way. There’s a team of us that work hard to ensure bereaved Forces children are getting the support they need, so I am accepting this on behalf of us all.”

Nikki will be presented with her medal at a local ceremony and will be invited to a Royal Garden Party when Covid related restrictions have eased.

To learn more about Scotty’s Little Soldiers visit: http://scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk/