Congratulations are in order for Amy Dowden, an accomplished professional dancer who was just awarded an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by King Charles.
According to a report from GB News, Dowden received the honor on February 18 at the world famous Buckingham Palace in an official ceremony.
The veteran dancer's MBE was awarded in recognition of her work as an ambassador for Crohn's and Colitus UK. GB News states that Dowden has done an exceptional job fundraising for the organization and raising awareness about the presence and impact of Crohn's Disease.
Dowden has managed her own bout with Crohn's Disease since she was 11 years old. The Strictly Come Dancing star first let the public in on her illness in 2019. Since then, she has been a major advocate for those who also suffer from the condition.
A major honor for a figure who personifies perseverance
Crohn's Disease is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system. In her own case, Dowden has suffered from this and bouts of swollen eyes, constipation, and fatigue.
Her journey living with the disease became prominent enough for Amy to be featured in her own BBC documentary entitled: Strictly Amy: Crohn's and Me.
At some points, Dowden's case of Crohn's prevents her from fulfilling her duties as a performer. During a Strictly Live tour, Amy had to be hospitalized following a significant flare up.
GB News reports that Amy takes eight steroids a day to manage her symptoms and and prevent another round of hospitalization.
At the moment, Amy is very healthy and has managed to work her condition into remission with the help of her healthcare team.
In the past, Amy tried to make a comeback to Strictly Come Dancing after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, she could not complete the competition reality series because of a stress fracture.
Amy's artistic career, philanthropic efforts, and personal struggles exemplify the service and perseverance it takes for one to earn an MBE from King Charles.
In an interview held after her special ceremony. Dowden told ITV's Lorraine that King Charles said he wanted to see her on Strictly Come Dancing again in the near future.
When explaining how great the moment felt, Amy said, "He wished me back on the dance floor this year with Strictly. It was very surreal, I couldn't believe I was having a conversation with the King at Buckingham Palace in the throne room. How did that happen to little old Amy from Caerphilly?"
If you ask us, the dancer's rise isn't that hard to believe at all! Hopefully, King Charles will get his wish and see Amy Dowden return to our televisions sooner rather than later.