A WOMAN feels "shocked" to have been presented with an award by Downton Abbey stars Hugh Bonneville at the National Lottery Awards.
Elizabeth Burton-Phillips MBE from Twyford, Wokingham has dedicated her life to helping families impacted by drug issues through her charity DrugFAM.
For her dedicated hard work and ongoing support, Elizabeth was honoured with a special recognition award at the 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards, which will be broadcast on BBC One on November 19.
READ MORE: Find out who appeared at Reading and Slough Magistrates' Court
Residents who tune into the programme will see Hugh Bonneville hand over the trophy to Elizabeth, alongside presenter Ore Oduba, Laurence Fox, Masterchef's John Torode and Greg Wallace and singer Emeli Sande.
DrugFAM will showcase its promo video about what the organisation does to help people deal with the aftereffects of drugs.
Elizabeth said: "It came as a huge shock to be awarded this recognition, I had no idea and it is truly such an honour.
"National Lottery-funding has helped make a difference to our work and enabled us to do so much over the years.
"I am absolutely delighted that we have been recognised in this way."
The charity founder set up DrugFAM in memory of her son Nick, who took his own life at the age of 27 because of relapsing.
Her other twin son, Simon vowed to quit drugs after his brothers death and has helped his mum run the Berkshire based charity.
In 2007, the charity founder published a book called 'Mum, can you lend me twenty quid' to highlight the constant requests teenagers make when they get targeted by drug dealers.
Since the books release, Elizabeth has received more than 25,000 letters, calls and emails from families around the world, sharing their stories of how they dealt with drugs in the family.
ALSO READ: Ten things you didn't know about new Bracknell Forest councillors
Currently, Elizabeth campaign and advises the government on its drugs policy. She was awarded with an MBE in 2017.
Ore Oduba, TV presenter, said: "The 25th Birthday National Lottery Awards are a chance to say thank you to those that really deserve it after doing so much for their communities over the last 25 years, personally it’s a real honour to be a part of the celebrations especially in such a landmark year. These winners like Elizabeth are truly inspiring.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here