A woman born and raised in Irlam has been formally honoured at the Palace of Westminster for supporting families through pregnancy and early parenthood.
Jodie Wilkerson (née Kinsella), who was born and raised in Irlam, was recently selected to receive the British Citizen Award Medal of Honour for Services to Healthcare (BCAh) at the Palace of Westminster.
Jodie said after the presentation: “This honour belongs to the volunteers as much as to me. They are absolutely crucial to everything we do. I love that we bring people from all different backgrounds into the same room, experiencing similar challenges and building friendships they might never otherwise have made.
Jodie attended St Patrick’s RC High School in Eccles, where she then went on to study at Pendleton College, and later completed her studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.
In 2006, she moved to Devon, where she has since used her extensive background in health, research and social care to make a lasting impact on her community.
She is now the Director of Exmouth Bosom Buddies CIC, a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation supporting families through pregnancy, breastfeeding and early parenthood.
Similar foundations exist throughout Salford, with groups such as Amara’s Space and “Be Open on Breastfeeding” (B.O.O.B.S), available for support to any families and breastfeeding parents that may need it.
Jodie’s sister, Stacy Hope (née Kinsella), was also born and raised in Irlam and attended the presentation alongside her.
The British Citizen Award recognises individuals from across the UK who make a positive impact in their communities. Medallists are selected on merit, added to the national Roll of Honour, and invited to use the BCA post-nominals in recognition of their contribution.
