Years fighting to raise awareness of cancer and supporting charity will see Emily Findlay, 22, from Orphir in Orkney, honoured with a British Empire Medal.
The events management student at The Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has been commended for her work with charities in Orkney and across Scotland and efforts to raise awareness of cancer in young people.
At just age 14, she was diagnosed with a form of neuroblastoma so rare she was said to be the only person in the world with the strain.
Despite being ill for several years, the young student battled back.
She says charity work is where her heart lies – particularly in giving back to those who gave so much to her.
Speaking of her award she said: “I am very surprised but delighted. I didn’t expect it at all.
“I think I have gotten to this stage because I have been ill for the past eight years and I have done a lot of charity work.
“I wanted to give back to the charities that helped me over the past years.
“I love to do organising events. It’s where my heart is. It’s something that I love to do.”
Reflecting back on her experiences, Miss Findlay said she wouldn’t change a thing about her journey – even her battle through ilness – because it’s made her who she is today.
She added: “I am most proud of the awareness I have raised. Young people do get cancer. It’s not a common thing in Orkney or the north of Scotland so I think very few people realised.
“Helping charities is something that is close to my heart. I can see myself working directly with a charity in the future.
“I would like to say thank you to all the charities that I have got to know through this. I have so many memories and have met so many amazing people.”
