For years now, Gary Douch has played an integral part in the fight against bowel cancer, colitis and Crohn’s disease.

Now the founder and chairman of Bowel Disease UK has been given the thanks he deserves, from no less than the Prime Minister.

In a personal letter to Gary, Prime Minister Theresa May said: “As the Founder and Chair of Bowel Disease UK, your work is contributing to ground-breaking research into new treatments, which is helping to improve outcomes for patients with bowel cancer, colitis, and Crohn’s disease.”

Gary is the latest recipient of the Points of Light award which recognises outstanding volunteers who are making a change in their community and inspiring others.

The Raynes Park resident, who has Crohn’s Disease himself, teamed up with his consultant, Professor Devinder Kumar, to raise funds for academic medical research into improving outcomes for those three diseases.

Having initially been set up from his hospital bed, the charity has raised over £625,000, which is contributing to ground-breaking research into new treatments.

The 49-year-old couldn't hide his excitement when talking about what the award meant.

Gary said: “I am extremely grateful for this award from the Prime Minister.

"Not only does it highlight the hard work the charity has undertaken but it also recognises the excellent support we receive from our volunteer trustees and ambassadors.

"I truly believe this is a team award that will help to raise the profile of our charity and the vital research we undertake.”

It seems news of Gary's achievement has even seeped into the community.

His local MP and ambassador for Bowel Disease UK, Stephen Hammond said: “I am really delighted that Gary has won this award.

"It is a tribute to his hard work and enormous efforts over the last few years. I do hope that it will raise awareness and convince others to help the vital research being undertaken.”