Despite the pandemic in 2020, The British Citizen Award united their July 2020 Medallists with their coveted Medal of Honour via Courier. Simona Stankovska from London was presented with the Certificate of Honour at the Palace of Westminster, completing the recognition and honour so deserved. The British Citizen Award, in partnership with One Stop, is now in its sixth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities throughout the country.
Although the physical Medal Presentation Ceremony had been temporarily postponed due to social distancing guidelines, 26 extraordinary people have been honoured and celebrated for their positive impact on society, their selfless giving, and their commitment to community.
Simona Stankovska was honoured for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving with a BCAv and presented with the Certificate of Honour by Lucy Broome, Head of Retail Operations at BCA Partner One Stop.
Just over 5 years ago (July 9, 2015), Simona suffered a large bleed on the brain, causing a stroke and resulting in left-sided weakness. Having had no previous symptoms and aged just 27, Simona’s world was turned upside down when several days later she was told by neurologists that her scan showed a rare growth on her brain which surgeons were almost positive was a cavernoma.
A cavernoma is a tumour like growth on the brain made up of abnormal blood vessels which are weak and can rupture and seep blood into the surrounding brain or spinal tissue. The condition is unpredictable – often described as a ticking time bomb – and can cause paralysis or death in patients. Additionally, not much is known about the condition, so when diagnosed Simona was full of anxiety and worry, not knowing what her prognosis was. In the weeks that followed at age 27, Simona could no longer walk properly, speak clearly or look after herself. She had to move back home and her mum became her full-time carer.
There was light at the end of the tunnel, however and in 2015 Simona managed to find a surgeon who would operate on her and following a 6-hour operation she had her cavernoma removed. Since then she has improved, although the condition has left her with residual left-sided weakness, a hole in her brain that will never heal, and an invisible disability she struggles with every day.
Simona realised that there was very little understanding or support for people affected by cavernomas. She found that at least 1 in 600 people are diagnosed every year, but often these people would not qualify for any help or support. Therefore, in November 2018 Simona set up the charity The Cavernoma Society, single-handedly, creating platforms for sufferers to get support, advice and guidance and has fundraised tirelessly to raise funds for projects such as mindfulness retreats, psychological and medical research and private counselling for members.
BCASimona has gone above and beyond for those affected by cavernomas despite her own health problems, putting others before herself. She is still very unwell but when a member is preparing for surgery, she will undertake a home visit, prepare and support them by chatting to them and sending them tips, or sending personalised pyjamas and gifts that will make their journey more comfortable. She makes it her goal to ensure every member feels heard and supported.
“Each time a new group of medallists are selected it reminds us of how great the people of this nation are. We serve many communities up and down the country through the One Stop convenience stores, and these particular individuals being recognised now, especially at this time of extraordinary circumstance, reflects all that is good about community spirit. It’s a privilege to play a small part in helping them to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all 26 honourees”, said Jonny Mcquarrie, from BCA partner One Stop.
While some aspects of the Presentation differed to the usual event, all Medallists were presented with their Certificate of Honour and had a memorable day that they will never forget, which is fitting recognition for their amazing contribution to society. The event was hosted by BBC Breakfast Charlie Stayt, with BCA Patron Lord Dholakia in attendance. Certificates were presented by senior figures from the sponsor community which includes Experian, Places for People, Objective HR, alongside Specsavers and One Stop.
Each Medal of Honour bears the words ‘For the Good of the Country’ and are presented to only a small number of exceptional individuals twice yearly. The British Citizen Award is widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavour and are truly representative of today’s multicultural Britain.
For more information please contact press@britishcitizenawards.co.uk or call 0203 002 7764.