A PAIR of 11-year-old twins say they are ‘honoured and proud’ after being named in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Ruben and Elena Evans-Guillen, from Padgate, were announced as recipients of the British Empire Medal last night, Wednesday, for their services to charitable fundraising during the coronavirus pandemic.

They are the youngest inclusions on this year's list.

READ MORE: The 7 Warringtonians named on Queen’s birthday honours list

The duo have been raising funds for charity for the past five years, beginning with a fundraiser for Warrington and Halton Hospitals’ Charity which saw them run 100km during 2018.

Warrington Guardian:

Since then, they have ‘worked tirelessly’ to raise around £50,000 for causes including MedEquip4Kids, Warrington Youth Club, Room at the Inn and Warrington Foodbank.

Reacting to the news of their honour, Ruben said: “I feel so honoured to be awarded a BEM.”

Elena added: “I’m very proud to receive an award from the Queen."

Warrington Guardian:

The twins initially embarked upon their charitable challenges as a way of combating their ADHD.

Dad Mark said: “As parents, we are very honoured for Ruben and Elena to receive the BEM as part of the Queen’s birthday honours – especially as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. We are still overwhelmed to receive such news.

“We have been very privileged to have worked with so many wonderful local charities and have had the opportunity to work on so many amazing and vital NHS and community projects. We feel blessed to have connected with so many incredible people within these charities as part of our journey.

Warrington Guardian:

“We have been so fortunate and will never be able to thank enough our family and friends and the many local firms in Warrington and beyond who have supported and encouraged Ruben and Elena over these past five years.

“When I think back to the very beginning of our charity campaigns when the children were six years old, from running on muddy, cold fields with collection buckets to being now recognised as role models for children with ADHD is very humbling.

“Ruben and Elena have done the hard yards and have gone the extra mile, literally, and are testament that once children believe they can do great things when they put their minds into it and then achieve it it conveys something wonderful and positive to the world we live in.

“They have created a marvellous legacy for themselves within their charity and community work they should be so proud of.

“We really hope Ruben and Elena’s journey can inspire the next generation of neuro-diverse children.”