ONE of Harlow’s great community champions received her British Empire Medal (BEM) this week.

Jo Busson was awarded her BEM for services to the community in Harlow.

Jo received her award from Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst.

The ceremony took place at the Civic Hall in Chelmsford.

Jo heads the Alternative Education Provison at Passmores Academy.

She also runs the homeless provision, the Harlow Chocolate Run.

YH spoke to Jo at New Year when she was told of the honour and even in that conversation, all Jo wanted to do was pay credit to other people.

Jo said: “I have been working for Passmores for over twenty years and I cannot thank Vic (Goddard) and Nat (Christie) for all their support.

“In my job, there is nothing more satisfying than meeting a young person who struggled to fit in at school, who is now working, with a family and playing their part in life.

“I started off at Stewards Academy and must thank the head then, Rhondda Murthar.

“I have worked at the Harlow Chocolate Run and again, I took over from Mick and Thelma who were an inspiration.

“I am also blessed with a great team of trustees”

If this wasn’t enough, Jo also told us she volunteers for the Butterfly Project, based out of Princess Alexandra Hospital, that supports patients who are dying in hospital.