A mother who lost her daughter to cancer has been recognised by Boris Johnson for the charitable work she has been doing in her memory.

Lorraine Wilson, from Great Harwood, lost her 11-year-old Amelia Grace Walmsley, who they called Milly, in September 2015 after a battle with leukaemia, inspiring Lorraine to do something in memory of her 'fun and mischievous' daughter.

She founded Milly's Smiles which provides essential item bags for families for when children are taken into hospital for treatment due to knowing first hand how daunting and disorienting the diagnosis can feel.

Her efforts have been recognised by the Prime Minister and she has been awarded a Point of Light award after donating 700 bags to wards across the country.

Lorraine said: "This award has come as a huge surprise. I feel extremely humbled to be able to accept this on behalf of my daughter Milly, in recognition of the work I do with her charity Milly’s Smiles.

"Supporting families who find themselves facing an unexpected hospital stay after their child has been diagnosed with a cancer related illness is a privilege, it is where my heart lies and I will continue this work for many years to come.

"Thank you for recognising our work with such a prestigious honour."

Milly was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in November 2014, turning the family's life upside down.

After several round of chemotherapy, she was in remission and rang the bell when she was allowed to leave hospital.

Sadly, after some follow up tests the family were told that the cancer has returned and, despite treatment, the family were told there was nothing more that could be done and Milly died in September 2015, aged 11 years old.

Lorraine, an intensive care nurse, began producing Milly's Bags, filled with essential items, such as toiletries, as well as a rainbow blanket and other comforts, including a homemade knitted elephant soft toy.

Over 700 children undergoing cancer treatment have already benefitted from Milly's Bags and Lorraine aims to expand and donate a ‘Milly Bag’ to every young cancer patient in England.

Sara Britcliffe, MP for Hyndburn, said: "Lorraine absolutely deserves this award. The work she has done to provide Milly's Bags to children in hospital will have been a comfort blanket for so many children and families going through what must be one of the hardest times of their life.

“Lorraine has done this after going through the same with her own daughter, Milly, and this award is an honour to both of them.

“Through this work, Milly’s memory carries a positive impact on so many other's lives."

Lorraine is the 1810th person to receive the Prime Minister’s UK daily Points of Light award, which was first launched in April 2014 to recognise outstanding individuals making a difference where they live.