A Staffordshire businesswoman has been honoured with a medal for her campaigning work in memory of murdered toddler James Bulger.
Kym Morris, who is business manager at Lichfield-based Legionella and Fire Safe Services, received the British Citizen Award at the Palace of Westminster on Thursday, 23 January.
The charity champion has volunteered for the James Bulger Trust for 13 years, becoming chair in 2020, and campaigns for justice for James alongside his mother Denise Fergus.
As well as her work for the Trust, which aims to support young people disadvantaged by bereavement, crime, hatred, or bullying, she also supports vulnerable individuals in her community and led a successful campaign for Age UK to provide activity-filled stockings for elderly residents spending Christmas alone.
Kym has been presented with a medal of honour for service to volunteering and charitable giving, and can now use the letters BCA letters after her name.
She said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the British Citizen Award for Volunteering (BCAv). This recognition is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported and shared in the work we do for charity and our community. Together, we have built something special, and this award is a testament to the power of collective kindness and commitment.
“I remain passionate about creating positive change and am inspired daily by the resilience and generosity of those around me, most especially Denise Fergus, who has really inspired me with her continued fight for justice, for her son James Bulger. I hope this recognition encourages others to take action, big or small, in making our communities stronger, more inclusive, and compassionate.
“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. This award belongs to all of us.”
Established in 2015, the British Citizen Award is designed to honour individuals in the community for making a positive impact on society, community or specialist groups. Recipients are awarded a specially struck bespoke medal inscribed with the words ‘For the Good of the Country’.
A spokesperson for the BCA said: “Kym’s unwavering dedication to families and individuals in need has brought relief, justice, and hope, making a lasting impact both locally and nationally.”
The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, was attended by BCA patrons Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, and the Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medallists also enjoyed an open top lap of honour tour and a certificate presentation.
