Woman almost thought OBE honour was a 'joke'

A woman who has been appointed an OBE in the King's Birthday Honours list said she almost thought it was a joke.

Celia Hodson, the founder of Hey Girls, is one of 10 people in Suffolk to be named in this year's list.

Ms Hodson, who lives near Eye, was appointed for her services to promoting period dignity and raising awareness of free period products in Scotland.

She said she was "humbled" and "overwhelmed" by the news.

"I got a phone call to ask if I would accept and I kind of thought it was a joke at first," Ms Hodson explained.

"But it wasn't and it was a very wonderful conversation."

Hey Girls was started in 2018 from Ms Hodson's kitchen table with her daughters.

They wanted to ensure people would be able to have a healthy period with access to products, as well as providing education on their website.

The business now provides period products around the UK.

"I'm a social entrepreneur and you start something on your kitchen table and, after five years you get this recognition, so it's wonderful for myself and the team," she continued.

"It's phenomenal when you think you can get an honour for promotion period equality and dignity.

"You sort of go a bit goosebumpy when you think about things like that."

Teresa Aristodemou, from Ipswich is the founder of Aspect Living Foundation and Suffolk Meals on Wheels.

She has been appointed BEM for services to older people in Suffolk and said she was "absolutely blown away" by the news.

"I couldn't explain how I feel because it's something I never imagined I would get," she said.

"It's just so far away from my wildest dreams that's it's completely surreal."

Ms Aristodemou said the honour was not just for her, but for everyone who had helped her on the journey.

Other people in Suffolk awarded honours include:

• Roger William Wright CBE, chief executive of Britten Pears Arts, is appointed a knighthood for services to music
• Margaret Anne Lee, a finance commissioner, is appointed OBE for services to local government
• Ian Denton Turner, co-chair of the National Care Association and chair of the Registered Nursing Home Association, is appointed OBE for services to social care
• Heather Elizabeth Broughton, committee member of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Midlands and East, is appointed MBE for services to heritage and to the community in the Midlands
• Jonathan Legh-Smith, executive director of UKQuantum, is appointed MBE for services to science and technology
• Teresa Aristodemou, founder of Aspect Living Foundation, is appointed BEM for services to older people in Suffolk
• Richard Jeremy Evans is appointed BEM for services to the community in Stansfield, Suffolk

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