A WOMAN from Chepstow has been awarded the British Empire Medal for her work in speech therapy with people who have had mouth or throat cancer.

Sharon Lacey has worked in the NHS in Gwent since 1988 and was awarded the medal at County Hall in Usk yesterday by the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, Simon Boyle.

Ms Lacey, professional Lead for adult speech and language therapy services, was named for the award in the Queen’s Birthday Honours earlier this year.

She received the award for her outstanding contribution to the management of head and neck cancer both locally and across Wales.

After receiving the award, she said: “I’m really honoured, absolutely honoured. I have been really, really lucky to have won thanks to great members of my team and patients. I have been really privileged. The team I work with are very dedicated.

“The medal is really impressive – it has got my name engraved around the edge and a big pink bow.”