The awards come 18 years after they founded the Samantha Dickson Research Trust following the death of their 16-year-old daughter from a brain tumour. The charity became the Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust, which later merged with two other organisations to create The Brain Tumour Charity.
Neil said: “When my wife Angela and I started the charity from our front room after our daughter died from a brain tumour at the age of just 16, we did not dare to imagine that it would go on to achieve so much.
“Research funded by The Charity has already improved our understanding of brain tumours and led to more effective treatments for some patients.
“We are immensely proud and grateful to be awarded this honour, and will continue in our fight to make brain tumours a thing of the past.”
Sarah Lindsell, Chief Executive of The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “What Neil and Angela Dickson have achieved since they lost Samantha is extraordinary.
“They have transformed the brain tumour research landscape and brought hope to people who for many years had none.
“And thanks to them, patients and families affected by brain tumours have a voice and a support network, through The Brain Tumour Charity.
“This honour could not be more deserved and all of us at the charity are absolutely thrilled that their efforts have been recognised in this way.”