Bunny Burrows founder Gwen Butler has been presented with her British Empire Medals in recognition of her contributions to the community.
Gwen was one of six people living within the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy area to be presented with their awards this month.
Gwen has worked tirelessly for the last 22 years to improve the lives of small animals; both through rescuing and education.
Bunny Burrows was setup in 1996 by Gwen and her late husband John.
John Watson, of West Scrafton, also received an award.
The awards were announced earlier this year and each recipient has now received their medal from Vice Lord-Lieutenant Peter Scrope supported by Deputy Lieutenant David Kerfoot MBE and the chair of North Yorkshire County Council, Cllr Robert Windass, in a ceremony at County Hall, Northallerton.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for a sustained and notable contribution to the community.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Peter Scrope said: “It is a privilege and a pleasure to present these British Empire Medals on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. The award is extremely well deserved in each case. Every one of the six recipients has demonstrated selfless service to their communities. Their stories are further examples of the generosity of spirit that defines the people of the North Yorkshire Lieutenancy.”
The six people who received the award were:
- Gwendoline Butler, of Richmond, the founder of Bunny Burrows Rescue, for services to animal rescue and welfare in North Yorkshire.
- Enrico Fortunato Capaldi, of Guisborough, for services to charity and the community on Teesside.
- Margaret Rose Lodge, of Bishop Monkton, for services to the community in Bishop Monkton.
- Tom Maddison, of Great Ayton, for services to the community in Great Ayton.
- Luke Steven Rodgers, of Earswick, director and founder of Foster Focus, for services to children and families.
- John Watson, of West Scrafton, for services to charitable fundraising and the community of West Scrafton.
