MBE honour for true star

The founder of Mummy’s Star, the UK and Ireland’s only charity dedicated to supporting women and families facing cancer during pregnancy, and post-natally, has been awarded an honorary MBE.

The award has been made by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for outstanding services to women’s cancer support.  

Pete Wallroth, who lives in Glossop, established Mummy’s Star in 2013 following the death of his first wife, Mair (photo below). Mair was diagnosed with breast cancer at 22 weeks pregnant with the couple’s second child. Their baby was born safely, but Mair tragically died just ten weeks later.  

Determined that no other family should face such a devastating experience alone, Pete joined forces with the late Nicolette Peel MBE to create Mummy’s Star. Nicolette, met Pete and Mair towards the end of Mair’s illness, and was herself diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer soon after the birth of her youngest child.  

Together, Pete and Nicolette shared a powerful vision: that no one should experience the fear and isolation they and their families had endured.  

Since its inception, Mummy’s Star has supported more than 2,000 families across the UK and Ireland. Figures show that every day, two people are diagnosed with cancer in or around pregnancy, and approximately one in every 1,000 pregnancies is affected by cancer. 

Funded entirely by donations and grants, the charity offers emotional, practical, financial, and peer support to women and birthing people diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, after birth, or following baby loss. It also provides specialist education and training to healthcare professionals, having reached over 10,000 students and clinicians across the country.  

Pete, who was born in Limerick, Ireland, moved to the UK with his family at the age of eight. Before establishing Mummy’s Star, he worked in housing and community regeneration across Greater Manchester. Honorary MBEs are awarded to foreign nationals who have made exceptional contributions to life in the UK.  

Speaking about the honour, Pete said: “It is a true privilege to receive this award in recognition of the last 12 years. While this is a personal award, I very much accept it in a collective spirit — on behalf of every family we support at Mummy’s Star and what they share with us in their moments of deep vulnerability. Also, for the Mummy’s Star team, both past and present, who pour so much into the charity making it what it is.  

Finally, for my family, my wife Nicola, and our three children, with huge gratitude for their endless strength and support. Without any of them, none of this would have happened.”  

Reflecting further on social media, Pete added:  

“I would like to convey my thanks to whoever nominated me, for taking the time to write their submission, and feeling that I warranted this in the first place.  

“Establishing Mummy’s Star in 2013 stemmed from the worst kind of heartbreak imaginable, losing Mair with two children who were just 10 weeks and 3 years old at the time.  

“I’d love to say there was a plan in starting the charity, but there just wasn’t, it all happened so organically - feeling so isolated by the rare nature of the diagnosis we received in pregnancy, seeing the gap that existed in cancer provision, and then the wonderful friendship with the late Nicolette Peel MBE and our collective determination to create change with Mummy’s Star.   

“I wanted other families who found themselves in this awful situation to be seen, heard, and looked after the way we had been. And for that compassionate and informed level of care to hopefully, someday, become the norm, experienced by the majority of those who sadly find themselves needing it.”  

Pete also paid tribute to the local support that has sustained the charity since its earliest days, saying “Mummy’s Star was established in Glossop, and we truly appreciate every local individual, group, and business who has supported us over the last 12 years and those who are supporting us still, as we continue to grow and spread awareness of cancer and pregnancy both nationally and in our caring community.”  

Chair of Mummy’s Star, Barbara Anne Nelson, said “We see every day the passion that Pete brings to leading Mummy’s Star and caring for the families who reach out to us. This award is richly deserved recognition of his commitment and compassion.”  

The impact of Mummy’s Star is best captured in the words of one of the mums supported by the charity: “Mummy’s Star has been a beacon of hope and comfort during an incredibly challenging time in my life. The thoughtful gifts they sent have been much more than mere items; they brought moments of joy and encouragement when I needed them most. Each gesture from the team has reminded me that I am not alone.”  

Over the past decade, Mummy’s Star has grown steadily, employing nearly 20 people, almost half from the local area, and working with a dedicated board of trustees who continue to guide its mission. Through compassion, education, and advocacy, Pete Wallroth and the Mummy’s Star team are ensuring that no family faces the unimaginable journey of cancer in pregnancy alone.  

For more information about the charity visit: www.mummysstar.org.uk