OBE for Thetford charity man

THE driving force behind a �2.5m charity charge to improve the quality of life for youngsters across the country has won royal recognition in the Queen's New Year's honours list.

THE driving force behind a �2.5m charity charge to improve the quality of life for youngsters across the country has won royal recognition in the Queen's New Year's honours list.

Tom Bell is the inspiration behind a fundraising effort by Thetford-based TNT Express Services to make a life-changing and life-saving difference to mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged youngsters.

Mr Bell, regional managing director, has now been recognised as an officer of the British Empire for his work with charity Wooden Spoon.

Mr Bell, 57, who has responsibility for the TNT depot at Howlett Way, Fisons Way Industrial Estate, in Thetford, as well as various other sites across the country, has been the catalyst behind fundraising for the charity since TNT made its first donation of �10,000 in 1997.

The married father of two, said he was shocked to receive the award.

“Making a positive contribution to the lives of tens of thousands of children who are disadvantaged in some shape or form, and giving new hope and purpose to their lives is reward enough in itself, but to be awarded the OBE is just unbelievable,” he said.

“It is a privilege to lead such a wonderful body of people and this award is a tribute to their continuing efforts and generosity.”

Mr Bell has also overseen the introduction of the program Seeing is Believing, which has given 2,000 employees the chance to visit Wooden Spoon sites including special needs schools, children's hospital wards, sensory rooms and playground areas.