A woman who has spent more than 30 years making Plymouth “a better place” has been honoured by King Charles. Louise Kelley is among more than 1,000 people from across the UK to be recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

The former sports development manager for Plymouth City Council will be awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to health and wellbeing in the city. She worked at the council for 34 years before recently transferring to council-owned company Plymouth Active Leisure (PAL).

Louise’s work over the years has included setting up programmes that help the most vulnerable residents in the city access food, wellbeing and sporting services. In 2014, she coordinated the city’s first free targeted Holiday Hunger Programme (Schools Out).

Louise said: “I am humbled to accept this honour from His Majesty the King. It is quite the surprise. But I am very clear, it is not just an award for me, it is an acknowledgement of the efforts and commitment of many at Plymouth City Council, particularly those in the Sports Development Team, who have worked with me on these programmes and deserve to share in my award.

“I am passionate about making sure that the most vulnerable in Plymouth, especially disadvantaged children and families, have access to food, health, sporting activities and support. I am pleased that I have been able to do my bit in making things that little bit easier.”

Louise also secured funding for the successful Fit and Fed programme, a holiday activity and food programme to support families with children who receive free school meals. During the pandemic, she helped to create a Food Aid Network to connect community organisations and, as part of the Caring for Plymouth team, made food deliveries to people who were shielding or classed as vulnerable.

Councillor Tina Tuohy, Lord Mayor of Plymouth, said: “I am delighted for Louise, she is a very deserving recipient. She has such passion and determination to deliver for the most vulnerable people in Plymouth and improve the lives of families and communities.

“She has been instrumental in securing significant funding and delivering a number of projects that for many people could be considered lifesaving. This includes securing a whopping £10m to help improve access to sporting facilities across the city. She makes a real difference every day.”

Tracey Lee, chief executive of Plymouth City Council, said: “For the past 30 years, Louise has been relentless in her work to help those who are less fortunate, particularly children and families. I am so proud of everything that she has achieved and I am thrilled that she is able to continue this work at Plymouth Active Leisure.

“Thank you from everyone at Plymouth City Council for the work that you have done and continue to do to make our city a better place.”

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