FOP Friends weren’t just celebrating the Queen’s 70 years on the throne during the Platinum Jubilee. They were celebrating FOP Friends trustee, Helen Bedford-Gay, being named to the Queen’s Jubilee Honours List!
Helen was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her services to charity and supporting those who are living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) and their families. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the charity just celebrated its 10th anniversary!

Who is FOP Friends?
FOP Friends is the UK’s only charity that is dedicated to supporting people living with FOP and their families. They actively fundraise to support the research into a treatment and a cure for FOP. FOP Friends is run by families who are directly affected by FOP.
Did you know?
1,002 candidates were selected at BEM, MBE and OBE level
304 candidates received a British Empire Medal (BEM) on the Queen’s Jubilee Honours List
673 (59.3%) of the recipients were people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity
584 women were recognised in the List, representing 51.5% of the total
Learn more about the 2022 Queen’s Jubilee Honours List recipients!
The Beacon team would like to extend a huge congratulations to Helen for this outstanding achievement. Your work, impact and dedication to FOP Friends is more than deserving of this honour. Congratulations again on this momentous occasion. We’re so proud of you!