A mother who founded an international charity to help people with the same medical condition as her son will be honoured by the Queen today.

Tracey Whitewood-Neal, of Watermill Close, Bexhill, is to receive an MBE at Buckingham Palace. Her 11-year-old son Jordan has Proteus Syndrome, a condition that causes atypical growth of the bones, skin and head and other symptoms.

John Merrick, who was portrayed by John Hurt in the film The Elephant Man, is thought to have had the same condition.

In the last decade Tracey and her family and friends have set up the Proteus Syndrome Foundation to offer information, support and grants to people with Proteus-related disorders. John Hurt is patron of the charity.

Tracey was nominated for a New Year Honour by a former boss for her charity work and her professional occupation as a manager for the Child Support Agency.

The foundation offers grants to children and adults for aids such as wheelchairs and shoes and for family holidays.

To donate to the charity or find out more, visit www.proteus-syndrome.org.uk, email tracy.whitewood_neal@virgin.net or write to 2 Watermill Close, Bexhill, East Sussex, TN39 5EJ.