A COTSWOLD charity leader is celebrating being made an MBE in the Queen's 90th Birthday Honours list.

Deborah Alsina, from Stow, is chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK.

Mrs Alsina, who is made an MBE in recognition of her service to bowel cancer patients, has worked in the voluntary sector for 25 years and joined Bowel Cancer UK as director of services and strategy in June 2008, a year after losing her father to the disease.

She was appointed chief executive a year later.

Mrs Alsina said: "I am humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way.

"Every day I speak to patients and their families and see the pain, fear and struggle they go through.

"I have now lost so many people to this awful disease and their memory inspires me every day.

"To be recognised for services to bowel cancer patients is a great honour which I want to share with everyone affected by the disease who entrusts me and all at Bowel Cancer UK with their support so together we can stop bowel cancer for good.”

"Every year over 41,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer and over 16,000 lose their lives.

"I am fully committed to helping change that, so being recognised for my work with and for bowel cancer patients is an honour indeed, it's truly amazing.”

Peter Sedgwick, chair of Bowel Cancer UK, said: “Deborah has played a huge and pivotal role in the development and growing success of Bowel Cancer UK.

"Under her leadership it has become a leading and highly respected charity, amongst both the patient and medical communities.

"She inspires us all at Bowel Cancer UK with her focus and sheer hard work so we are absolutely thrilled that she has been publicly recognised. It’s very well deserved.”