A children’s charity in Marlow has been given a Queens Award for Voluntary Service - the highest accolade given to local volunteer groups across the UK.

It is equivalent to an MBE and was first established by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002 with the charity receiving a certificate from the Queen and a domed glass crystal.

Ran by volunteers The Link Foundation raises funds to help disadvantaged children in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

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The charity provides funding for beds, clothes, food, white goods for children need who are living with domestic violence, parental desertion, mental health issues, disability and illness.

Later this year, the foundation will celebrate its 15th anniversary having donated over £1.5 million since its formation.

Una Loughrey, Founder and Chairman of The Link Foundation, said: “We are beyond thrilled to have been recognised by this award for the important work the Link Foundation has been committed to for the past 15 years in ensuring as many children as possible living in incredibly difficult circumstances are given a helping hand.

“Over the years the charity has provided support for struggling parents, helped neglected children, and supported vulnerable families regain a foothold on life, and we are very proud that this effort has been recognised by the most esteemed award in UK volunteering.

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The foundation will also receive a special Covid-19 designation, in recognition of the support they have provided to the community throughout the pandemic.

She continued: “The current world climate has caused even more social turmoil and struggles, but hopefully this award can bring more awareness to our cause and alert more families in difficult circumstances to the help available to them through The Link Foundation.”