Dinnington: Tracey’s work at Safe@Last earns an MBE

Tracy Haycox (right) and guide on Mount Kilimanjaro

Tracy, who is director of children and young people’s services, has already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and carried the Olympic torch.

Now her work with vulnerable young people has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

“I am very honoured to have received this recognition which is not only for my own work but is really a reflection on my family and my colleagues also,” said Tracy.

Tracy Haycox was selected to carry the Olympic torch in 2012

“I have a fantastic team behind me and I am very proud to work alongside such a dedicated group of people who give so much of themselves.”

“I’m very passionate about making a difference to young runaways who often find themselves, through no fault of their own, in difficult and dangerous situations and I am humbled that my contribution has been recognised in this way.”

Tracy joined Safe@Last in 2005 and has been responsible for expanding and developing services across South Yorkshire.

She has been instrumental in setting up the SAFEPLACE refuge, lobbying government, developing national action plans to help runaways and speaking at conferences.

On top of this she still has one to one contact with many young people.

Chair of trustees Dan Dean said: “Tracy has been the heartbeat of our service delivery for many years. Her dedication to the needs of the young people we work with is inspirational for all at Safe@Last.”