A WOMAN who founded a charity after the death of her father has been honoured at the Palace of Westminster.

Catherine Fowler, from Worthing, was one of 25 people to receive the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) on July 7.

She received the BCA Medal of Honour at the eighth annual BCA event, which recognises those who have a positive impact on their communities, charities and individual causes.

Following the loss of her father Tim Fleming, who died of an aortic dissection in 2015, Catherine has relentlessly campaigned to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

What started as a family petition became a national campaign in 2017 as Catherine worked to drive change, improve diagnostic rates and save lives by increasing aortic dissection awareness within emergency medicine.

In 2020, The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust (TADCT) was officially established as a registered charity.

It provides funding for studies for medical research projects into the detection, prevention, treatment and cure for aortic dissection.

At the Palace of Westminster, Catherine was presented with her Medal of Honour by Wendy Pretten, from Places For People, and invited to use the letters BCAh after her name.

Wendy said: “We are delighted to share in the celebration of dedicated people who, despite life’s many challenges, have selflessly and untiringly worked to improve the lives of others around them.

“Our praiseworthy medallists have been vital in making their communities and wider society special places to live. I can wholeheartedly say that I am honoured to have the privilege of presenting these shining stars with their BCA Medal of Honour.”