AN inspirational Dorset mum has been given an award by the Prime Minister as part of the Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Louise Fetigan, who lives at Bovington Camp, was named a Point of Light by David Cameron, for founding and running the charity My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures, which supports more than 100,000 military children.

Four-and-a-half years ago, when Louise’s husband Tony flew to Afghanistan, her daughter Madison was upset and became anxious in his absence.

Realising there were lots of other families facing similar issues, she set about building a support network for families, creating events and developing resources to help children cope.

My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures was born, led by Louise and a fellow military wife.

Louise is the latest recipient of a Point of Light award, which recognises outstanding individual volunteers, people who are making a change in their community and inspiring others. Each day, someone, somewhere in the country is selected to receive the award to celebrate their remarkable achievements.

Louise led events where military families could socialise, including sports days, music and dance events and an annual weekend camping trip for 300 families in Pirbright, Surrey.

She introduced a huge selection of online support materials with ‘separation packs’ to educate children about their parents’ jobs, countdown charts until their return and a ‘Trooper of the Month’ scheme to celebrate children whose parents were away.

Louise, who is originally from Camberley in Surrey, is also working with the Department for Education to provide guidance on how schools should spend the Service Pupil Premium.

In the autumn she will be launching an initiative called Little Troopers Treasures, a collection of communication tools to help soldier and child remain connected when separated by service.

Louise said: "I was overwhelmed to receive the phone call informing me I had won this Points of Light award – it really was such a shock, but fantastic for Little Troopers and their unique challenges to be recognised, I feel so passionately that they need our support.

“Being in an Army family is a unique experience for our children; they have a lot to contend with. We can’t stop the loneliness and fear children feel when their parent is away, but we can make them feel safe, secure and distracted so they don’t reach crisis point. I love volunteering my time to run and grow My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures and to awarded for that work is just a dream come true."

Prime Minister David Cameron added: “Louise recognised that she wasn’t alone in seeing her daughter struggle with the experience. By creating My Daddy is a soldier adventures she has provided great care and support to so many children like Madison and she continues to bring joy and comfort to thousands of military families who are living apart.

“This Armed Forces day as we honour the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of our servicemen and women, so we should also take a moment to think about the sacrifices made by their families. In doing so, I am pleased to be able to recognise Louise’s inspiring service by making her the UK’s 276th Point of Light.”