Me&dee, a volunteer-led charity in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Founded by Maria Hanson MBE, the charity has supported about 9,000 families over 19 years. Me&dee runs practical and emotional services — including swimming sessions, family outings, sibling craft activities and bereavement support — from a small office with a team of four and many volunteers.
Me&dee wins the King’s Award for Voluntary Service — 'Creating a bit of sunshine' for families
Me&dee, a volunteer-led charity in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Founded by Maria Hanson MBE, the charity has supported about 9,000 families over 19 years. Me&dee runs practical and emotional services — including swimming sessions, family outings, sibling craft activities and bereavement support — from a small office with a team of four and many volunteers.
11:09 AM, 11/14/2025Society
Me&dee wins the King’s Award for Voluntary Service
Me&dee, a volunteer-led charity based in a "tiny" office in Melbourne, Derbyshire, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest honour given to local voluntary groups in the UK and regarded as the voluntary-sector equivalent of an MBE.
Support for families facing rare and life-limiting conditions
Founded 19 years ago by Maria Hanson MBE, Me&dee offers practical and emotional support to families when a rare illness or potentially life-limiting condition has been diagnosed. A charity spokesperson says Me&dee has supported around 9,000 families since it began.
"It is more than I could ever have imagined when I set up me&dee all those years ago," said Ms Hanson, 71, describing the award as "wonderful and overwhelming."
Ms Hanson hopes the recognition will raise awareness of the charity’s work and attract more support. She emphasised that Me&dee is volunteer-led from its CEO to its trustees and operates with a small paid team of just four people.
What Me&dee does
Me&dee focuses on helping families maintain a sense of normality and create memories during difficult times. Its services include group swimming sessions at Moorways Sports Village and the Water Park in Derby, organised family outings, craft sessions for siblings and a specialist bereavement support group.
"If you are a parent sat in an isolation ward or spending weeks by a hospital bed, you can feel powerless," Ms Hanson said. "We can't fix everything — but we can listen, care and try to create a bit of sunshine."
About the award
Recipients of the King’s Award receive a certificate signed by King Charles, a domed glass crystal and an invitation to a royal garden party. The honour is awarded for life and recognises outstanding contributions by local voluntary groups.
Other local winners
Two other Derbyshire groups were also honoured: Buxton Town Team, recognised for advancing the prosperity and wellbeing of its community, and Mackworth Estate Community Association, praised for fostering community cohesion and expanding opportunities for residents.
Me&dee’s recognition highlights the vital role small, volunteer-led charities play in supporting families through the most difficult times.