A woman from Bideford, North Devon, has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for her dedication to charity and public service. Charlotte Luckett, 45, has chosen to dedicate this honour to her late brother, Martyn Luckett, who passed away just before his 20th birthday due to an unknown heart condition. The award recognizes her significant contributions as the North Devon representative for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young), a charity focused on raising awareness of hidden heart conditions in young people.
Charlotte’s commitment to CRY has been deeply personal. After Martyn’s unexpected death from complications related to a heart condition, Charlotte, along with her family, initiated fundraising efforts to support the charity. Over the past 18 years, they have organized heart screenings for more than 2,500 young people in local schools and community events, including Bideford College.
Dedication Through Action
In addition to her charitable work, Charlotte has demonstrated her dedication to the community through various fundraising challenges. She has run two London Marathons, completed over 50 half marathons, participated in the 102-mile Ride London bike ride, and taken on the Swim Serpentine challenge. Her efforts have not only raised awareness but also significant funds for CRY, contributing to the ongoing fight against undiagnosed heart conditions.
Charlotte expressed her humility regarding the honour, stating, “I do almost feel like an imposter really, because it’s just what I do. It is a natural thing to try to help people and to be part of the community.” She acknowledged that the award reflects the collective effort of her family, friends, and the wider community. Her parents have also been integral to community service, with her father actively involved in local motorcycle activities and her mother participating in Scouting initiatives.
Community Support and Impact
Charlotte’s commitment extends beyond her own experience; she actively encourages others to participate in heart screenings. Recently, a group of friends commemorated what would have been Martyn’s 40th birthday by running and swimming a combined distance of 40 miles, raising over £1,000 for CRY.
She praised the local community for its support, noting that many of her friends have had their hearts screened, and their children are now benefiting from the same screenings. “We are only a small family but the community has really got on board, which makes the screening possible,” Charlotte stated.
Through her tireless efforts, Charlotte Luckett not only honours her brother’s memory but also plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health of young people in her community. Further information about the work of CRY can be found on their official website.
