Little Lifts’ Charity Founder, Oa Hackett has received two awards this July – including the British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster for her outstanding contribution to healthcare. Here, she explains what it means to her
Oa Hackett, from Norfolk, was among 26 exceptional individuals honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster this month – a recognition which celebrates outstanding contributions to society. And that was not the only award in July for the Founder of Little Lifts, the charity for people affected by breast cancer: Oa was also named Professional Fundraiser of the Year by the East of England Chartered Institute of Fundraising for her excellence in fundraising.
In 2014, at the age of 28, Oa was given the news she had breast cancer. What followed was a whirlwind of terrifying uncertainty as she proceeded with chemotherapy, radiotherapy treatment and significant surgery.
Spurred on by her own experience of her breast cancer diagnosis, Oa was determined to find a way to offer support and comfort to others going through treatment.
Inspired by the care packages she had received from friends and family during treatment, she set up and founded her own charity, Little Lifts. Every year 55,000 women and 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer: with 61,000 women living with incurable breast cancer. Little Lifts is on a mission to provide free, thoughtfully curated Little Lifts gift Boxes to every breast cancer patient in the UK undergoing breast cancer treatment. Each Box contains carefully selected products to relieve side effects of treatment as well as mood-boosting goodies to promote emotional wellbeing.
In the East of England, patients automatically receive support via 10 NHS hospital partnerships. Elsewhere in the UK, people can access support by applying to the Little Kindness Fund. The charity, now in its 7th year, and the impact it has had on people’s lives has exceeded all expectation.
Oa, who lives in Norwich, says: ‘I was honoured to attend the Palace of Westminster on 25th July to accept my British Citizen Award. The afternoon was filled with inspiring stories from people across the country doing important work to support their communities, with kindness being at the very core. I was so happy to be there with my family and Trustee, Ella. Community, celebration, and value-led relationship building are at the essence of what we do, and I am hugely proud of what our small team has achieved so far. It was an honour to accept this award on behalf of the incredible work that Little Lifts does.’
Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop comments: ‘This year’s medallists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.’
Oa attended the event with her husband Greg, sister Lilly, and Trustee Ella. 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 enjoyed an Open Top Lap of Honour tour and a certificate presentation at another distinguished Westminster venue.
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