The sight of hungry children was the most heartbreaking part of the Covid-19 pandemic for a woman recognised by the Queen for her community work.

Vanessa Rousseau, 46, received a British Empire Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours after setting up the Chorleywood Corona Support Group days before the first national lockdown.

The group supported children and vulnerable people who were unable to leave their home or could not afford to buy food.

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Mrs Rousseau said: “Seeing the children hungry was the most heartbreaking part.

“There was a young boy that was more interested in pasta than the chocolate we brought him.

“He was so hungry. When you hear things like that you don’t stop helping.”

Watford Observer: Ms Rousseau delivering food parcels to a school. Picture: Vanessa RousseauMs Rousseau delivering food parcels to a school. Picture: Vanessa Rousseau

Mrs Rousseau, a mother of two, stressed that the support group's work wasn’t all down to her, but it was a group effort.

She said: “I’m delighted. I can’t quite believe it. I dedicate it to everyone who helped.”

Mrs Rousseau started the group after she and her sister decided to isolate their mother, who had late-stage lung cancer, before the national lockdown began.

Watford Observer: Ms Rousseau's children helping to make food parcels in their kitchen. Picture: Vanessa RousseauMs Rousseau's children helping to make food parcels in their kitchen. Picture: Vanessa Rousseau

She said: “I knew there would be so many people, older and vulnerable people who would need help. We needed to do something.

“It exploded from there and everyone wanted to help.”

Mrs Rousseau found out about her honour a day after her mother died - something she described as "very emotional”.

By the time the national lockdown was introduced on March 23, more than 100 volunteers had signed to help the group and an estimated £1,500 in donations from local organisations were collected.  

The money was used for food parcels that were given to disadvantaged children and vulnerable adults.

Watford Observer: Vanessa Rousseau with her children. Picture: Vanessa RousseauVanessa Rousseau with her children. Picture: Vanessa Rousseau

Mrs Rousseau, who also serves on the executive committee of the local residents’ association, filled the food parcels in her own home.

A total of 865 fresh meals, more than 140 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables, and more than 300 emergency food parcels, as well as £1,650 in Tesco vouchers were delivered.

She also made it possible for prescriptions to be delivered to people’s homes.

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