Recognized for Her Dedication to Fundraising and Raising Awareness of Crohn’s Disease
Amy Dowden, the 33-year-old professional dancer from Caerphilly, Wales, was recently named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours. This accolade highlights her exceptional contributions to fundraising and her efforts to raise awareness about Crohn’s disease, a condition she has bravely battled and publicly addressed.
Overwhelming Support from Strictly Come Dancing Family
Following the announcement, Amy received a flood of congratulatory messages from her colleagues on Strictly Come Dancing. On her Instagram page, Amy expressed her surprise and gratitude, stating she was “still in shock” and reaffirming her commitment to campaigning for Crohn’s disease awareness and research.
Underneath her heartfelt post, several fellow dancers shared their joy:
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Carlos Gu: “Why I feel like I’m also (getting the) honour too just by seeing this news, well deserved Ames Xx.”
Katya Jones: “Yes Amy!!!!!!!! So well deserved!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!”
Vito Coppola: “Wow Amyyyyyy. Yesssss. Don’t be in shock because you deserve this and much more. We love you.”
Dianne Buswell: “Yessssss my sister. I have the biggest smile.”
Former contestants like Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds also extended their congratulations, with Simmonds commenting, “Absolutely amazing. Huge Congrats! X”.
Advocacy and Personal Battle with Crohn’s Disease
Amy Dowden has been a prominent advocate for Crohn’s & Colitis UK and has openly shared her personal journey with Crohn’s disease. The NHS describes Crohn’s as a lifelong inflammatory condition of the digestive system, causing symptoms like severe abdominal pain, vomiting, exhaustion, and bloody diarrhea.
In 2019, Amy first spoke publicly about her condition and has since been a vocal advocate, raising awareness and funds for research. She fronted the BBC documentary “Strictly Amy: Crohn’s And Me,” where she explored the impact of the disease on her life and connected with others facing similar challenges.
Recent Health Challenges and Triumphs
Amy’s journey has included significant health challenges. In November 2021, she experienced a severe flare-up of Crohn’s disease shortly after filming Strictly, requiring her to stay with her dance partner Tom Fletcher and his wife Giovanna. In January 2022, she was hospitalized in Manchester during the Strictly live tour due to a sudden Crohn’s flare-up.
More recently, Amy was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer after discovering a lump just before her honeymoon with fellow dancer Ben Jones. Following a mastectomy and chemotherapy, tests have fortunately shown “no evidence of disease.”
Despite these challenges, Amy is determined to return to the dance floor. After taking a break last year, she is set to rejoin the cast of professional dancers for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Amy Dowden’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and triumph, making her a deserving recipient of the MBE and a beloved figure in the Strictly Come Dancing community.
