TWO outstanding Gwent women received recognition for their achievements at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Bridget McNally, from Blackwood, was awarded an MBE for her efforts to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK while fighting cancer herself, while Fay Mansell, of Llandenny, received an OBE for services to the Women’s Institute.

Miss McNally, 48, a mother-of-three, from Libanus Road, Blackwood, described the experience as “wonderful.”

Miss McNally travelled with children Daniel, 20, Laura, 19, and Jack, 18, and was taught how to curtsy by the Queen’s Guards before meeting Prince Charles.

She said: “We shook hands and he told me I was an inspiration for helping to raise nearly £250,000.

I replied ‘Actually sir, you and your whole family are inspirations all around the world.’”

"I also told him I've been fighting cancer for six years and am still fighting, but I won't punch you, to which he laughed," she added.

Miss McNally was named in the Queen’s birthday honours list in June for her roles as a Cancer Research UK ambassador and chairwoman of the committee that organises the charity’s Valleys Relay for Life in South Wales.

In February 2005, she climbed KiIimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, raising £5,200 for Cancer Research UK.

That was less than 18 months after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to undergo a double masectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Late in 2005 she discovered that the cancer had spread to her bones, and 18 months later to her liver.

She remains on chemotherapy but her liver is clear of cancer and she is determined to keep raising awareness about cancer and fundraising to boost research.

Mrs Mansell, a former chairwoman of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes in England and Wales, was honoured for services to women.

The mother-of-three stepped down earlier this year after three years at the helm. She has been a member of the Llandenny WI branch since 1975.