Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden has said her new MBE is the "cue to keep going" as she continues to raise awareness of the bowel condition she has had since the age of 19. The dancer, from Caerphilly , received the award in the recently announced King's Birthday Honours list. She was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at the age of 19, and described receiving the award as being "beyond my wildest dreams".
Post Office campaigner Alan Bates, former prime minister Gordon Brown and artist Tracey Emin are among the famous faces also recognised in the Honours list. The highest award went to Mr Brown who was made a Companion of Honour, while Sir Alan was knighted in recognition of his campaigning work which highlighted the Post Office Horizon scandal. READ MORE: Amy Dowden says 'it's been tough' as she breaks down during CoppaFeel! trek in Wales READ MORE: Amy Dowden’s dad emotional as he says ‘no money can buy that’ after health update Emin, actress Imelda Staunton and fashion accessories designer Anya Hindmarch were all made dames in the list, while writer Armando Iannucci was made a CBE and cyclist Mark Cavendish was knighted.
Singer Rebecca Ferguson, Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, Countdown's Susie Dent joined Amy with MBEs. Dowden, an ambassador for Crohn's and Colitis UK, said: "I accept it on behalf of all those who live with Crohn's disease, and will continue campaigning to raise awareness for and research into this terrible chronic illness "I'll t.
