GROUNDBREAKING volunteers who have helped hundreds of bereaved children were last night honoured by the Queen.

James Mortlock

GROUNDBREAKING volunteers who have helped hundreds of bereaved children were last night honoured by the Queen.

Lord Tollemache, Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant in Suffolk, handed a Queen's Award for Voluntary Services to the workers at Nicky's Way - the bereavement programme for children at St Nicholas Hospice in Bury St Edmunds.

Barbara Gale, hospice chief executive, said the ceremony at the town's historic Theatre Royal marked a “very special occasion” with the recognition of Nicky's Way volunteers for their work with grieving children.

She said: “Children are very much part of life at St Nicholas. They're up here every day, visiting parents and other relatives, and our patients love to see them in the building.

“But just like grown-ups, may of these children are facing a profound loss. Supported by the people of west Suffolk and Thetford, our bereavement programme for children is special, as it helps all young people in the area explore their grief and understand what's happening to them.

“Our trained volunteers know how important it is to listen to bereaved children and help them make sense of their experiences. Since we began this work we have helped over 250 children and their families. We are extremely proud to have had this work recognised with this prestigious award.”

Generous EADT readers handed over several thousand pounds last year during our campaign to raise money for Nicky's Way.