A woman who started a charity for children with serious illnesses when she was a teenager has won an award.

Rachely Plancey, who launched Camp Simcha from her home in Golders Green when she was just 17, has won the Point of Light award.

More than two decades after it first began, Camp Simcha has become an organisation that supports thousands of families with children suffering from cancer and life threatening illnesses.

Last year Rachely and her husband, Meir, made 2,000 volunteer visits to children, 3,000 calls to parents and provided almost 1,000 hospital transport across the UK.

The Points of Light programme was established in the USA by former president George Bush, and recognises outstanding volunteers who make a change in their community to inspire others.

She said: “I never thought that all those years ago that Camp Simcha would grow to be such an important part of so many lives.

“From children struggling with muscular dystrophy to those with cancer our mission is to ensure that no such child, anywhere in the UK, has to suffer without us.

"It is truly humbling to be able to make a big difference to people struggling to come to terms with serious illness and it is a privilege to be recognised today by the Prime Minister for the work we are doing."

Simcha provides 24/7 suport to families in the Jewish community who have had to deal with a sick child. Support ranges from practical and emotional support for the family through visits at home to volunteering in innovative ways such as dressing as a clown visiting children in hospital.

Camp Simcha especially looks after the siblings of children who are ill, making sure that there is essential support to cope with having a brother or sister who is so unwell.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Through her remarkable vision and determination Rachely has helped thousands and thousands families in their greatest hour of need. Her selfless actions are an inspiration and I am delighted to award Rachely this Point of Light.”