TWO charity workers who have helped war-torn communities to recover have received a prestigious honour.

Lou McGrath, chief executive officer of The Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, and chief operating officer Donna Moss-Seymour have been decorated with the Medal Award Royal Order of Sahametrei.

The pair received the honour from his excellency Pharidh Kan on behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia.

They have been working tirelessly for this charity since it was founded 11 years ago to support vital landmine and explosive clearance.

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This chivalric order is bestowed on foreigners who have rendered distinguished services to the King and the people of Cambodia, particularly in the field of external relations and diplomatic services.

Lou has spent the last 35 years working with communities around the world whose lives have been affected by war and conflict. He is a medal holder of the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize and in 2008 was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his work on clearing landmines.

Lou said: “We are honoured and humbled to receive such a coveted award from the Kingdom of Cambodia.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank our trustees, our valued sponsors and of course Sir Bobby himself whose compassion and vision have enabled us to carry out this vital work in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.”

Since 1979, 64,849 mine casualties have been recorded in Cambodia with 19,779 people killed, 36,024 victims injured and 9,046 people amputated.

A safe play initiative will provide mine free areas for children to enjoy without the risk of injury from explosive remnants of war.

The pair received their award at the charity’s offices at Booths Park in Knutsford, attended by mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner and consort Simon Hutchence.

Knutsford Guardian: Excellency Pharidh Kan presents Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner with a gift of Karma, a traditional Cambodian scarfExcellency Pharidh Kan presents Mayor Cllr Stewart Gardiner with a gift of Karma, a traditional Cambodian scarf

 

Donna said: “Receiving this award is an enormous accolade both personally and professionally and will spur us on to implement more crucial projects across the world.

“As a mother myself, I am passionate about alleviating the fear experienced by so many parents in war-torn regions of the globe.

“I would like to thank all our colleagues in the foundation who work together with us to support those living with the daily threat from landmines and unexploded munitions.”