Yorkshireman Rev Stephen Redman has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the families of children with cancer. Stephen was presented with his award by The Prince of Wales at Windsor Castle.
Stephen has been an active supporter of the Yorkshire-based cancer charity Candlelighters for more than 20 years. Stephen’s son Rocky was diagnosed with cancer aged four and sadly died in 2001, aged seven.
Stephen became involved with Candlelighters and, after starting as a volunteer, joined their Board of Trustees, becoming Chair in 2014. He served as Chair for six years and stepped down in 2020. He continues to provide a significant contribution to the charity and families, serving on Candlelighters’ Family Support Committee.
Commenting on his MBE, Stephen said: “I needed to do something for Candlelighters because they were such a big help to me. I was, to use a Yorkshire phrase, gobsmacked when I learned of this honour. However, beyond my contribution, there is a huge team of community volunteers, specialists and board advisers who help to raise funds and deliver vital services at Candlelighters. This important charity continues to improve the support offered to children and families affected by cancer.”
Emily Wragg, CEO of Candlelighters:
Each year, around 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down instantly for the whole family. Candlelighters offers family support in many forms, from practical financial help for families and funded holidays, to talking therapies, wellbeing treatments and support groups for siblings.
Learn more about what Candlelighters do, and how you can make a difference for children: https://www.candlelighters.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise/
More about Stephen Redman
- Stephen Redman was born in Grimsby but moved to Yorkshire as a young child. In 1977 he began studying at York University, reading Physics. Since then, he has been committed to various leadership positions in church and spent over 20 years in retail management in the technology sector.
- He is a published author and has ministerial credentials from the Order of St Leonard. He also has a Masters Degree in Practical Theology. Stephen is a Pastor for the Ark Church, York. In 2003, he planted the Ark Church in a community centre just inside the York Ring Road, and after a couple of moves, it is now back in the heart of this estate.
- Stephen is married to Pauline, and has three daughters: Libby, Melody & Arielle. Stephen and Pauline’s son Rocky died of cancer in 2001 when he was seven years old.
- Stephen has a role within the children’s cancer charity ‘Candlelighters‘, (having previously been a Trustee and Chair for many years), serves as the Chair of the ‘Friends of Amarna House‘ (a local care home) and is also on the board of the national charity Attend. He is very committed to the local unity group of church and ministry leaders ‘One Voice’ which he also served for many years as a Trustee. Stephen is also the presenter of the YouTube channel Pastor’s Library which offers information on theological books for students, both professional and amateur.
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