THE ‘inspirational’ co-founder of a Stourbridge charity, which has raised more than £1million to help those affected by breast cancer, has been awarded by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Veronica Kumeta, 55, founded Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer alongside the late Sue Macmaster in 2000, and has been named as the latest recipient of the Point of Light award.

The retired beauty therapist set up the charity with the aim of helping her close friend – Carol Knaggs – who passed away from the disease.

Throughout the last 15 years, Veronica has raised money for the breast screening unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, providing more than a million pounds worth of equipment.

This has led to the mother of three receiving the award, which recognises ‘outstanding’ individual volunteers who make a change in their community and ‘inspire’ others, from the Prime Minister.

Veronica said: “I am truly humbled but delighted to be given this award which will highlight Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer charity to the local community in the Midlands.

“I thank everyone who has helped me in anyway in the last 15 years to make a difference to the lives of those affected by cancer and together we will continue to raise awareness in our community as early detection saves lives.”

The charity is the UK’s only regional breast cancer cause and has paid for a mobile mammogram trailer, an ultrasound scanner for diagnosing breast cancer and an x-ray machine that provides microscopic clarity for biopsies.

Veronica’s new goal is to continue to raise money for a new mammogram trailer and to also provide a hairdressing salon, mastectomy room, diagnostic suite and a bra fitting service in the hospital.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “After seeing her friend Carol battle breast cancer, Veronica set herself the huge task of supporting hundreds of ladies across the Midlands living with the disease.

“The amount she has raised to complement the work of the NHS is outstanding, and her work provides a beacon of hope for so many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer.

“She is thoroughly deserving of this Points of Light award.”