Marianne Radcliffe, chief executive of Crohn's & Colitis UK, said: "People never used to talk about Crohn's or Colitis, but Amy has really helped to normalise conversations about these conditions by being open and honest, and adding some of her trademark sparkle.
The Royal Family has also publicly shared their cancer experiences, with Buckingham Palace announcing last year that Charles has been treated for cancer while the Princess of Wales revealed she was in remission from the disease in January after undergoing chemotherapy.
Pic: Jonathan Brady/Pool Photo via AP] On Tuesday, Dowden said being honoured "hasn't sunk in yet" and that she was determined to continue her work raising awareness and funds for Crohn's and colitis.
The 34-year-old, who has Crohn's disease, was honoured for her services to fundraising and raising awareness of inflammatory bowel disease.
He has been commissioned for several major royal events, including Queen Elizabeth II's golden jubilee; Prince William and Kate's royal wedding in 2011 and King Charles' coronation.
