Felpham hero's magical day out at the palace

Kate Allen received the MBE from the senior royal in an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony last Thursday morning followed the announcement of Kate's award in the new year's honour list.

She said: "The Princess was absolutely superb. She was more than 30 minutes late because she spent so much time talking to everybody.

"She asked me how long I had been involved in the activities and what led me to start them.

"She spent two or three minutes with me. She looked so happy. It was not a chore for her.

"Everyone at the palace was so friendly and looked after you so well. It was a magical day and one I'll always remember."

She travelled to the ceremony in a limousine with her neice and great nephew.

Kate, 78, of Homefield Avenue, received the honour because of her role as a local hero. She has helped thousands of disabled people achieve a better life through her tireless work on their behalf.

It began when Kate married her late husband, a disabled man, in 1965.

She became the secretary of the West Sussex Club for Disabled Men the following year and carried on in the role for 34 years.

Much of that period '“ between 1969 and 2000 '“ she chaired the group as well.

Her efforts led Arun District Council to ask her in 1979 to form an association to promote sport for disabled people.

The result was the Arun Sports Association for the Disabled. Kate is its secretary and chairman as it celebrates 30 years in existence in May.

She also played a leading role in setting up the Shopmobility service in Bognor and remains a volunteer at its town hall office.

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