Gina Long said she was "lost for words" when informed of the honour
A fundraiser who has been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours says she "cried for three days off and on in happiness" after hearing the news.
Gina Long, 53, from Bury St Edmunds, has been appointed MBE for charitable services - including the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation.
She said she was "lost for words" when she was told last month.
"For those that know me, that's an unusual event," she said. "I'm overwhelmed, completely shocked."
Mrs Long has been involved in charity work for 40 years, and remembers organising a swimathon in Ipswich, aged just 13.
Sir Bobby Robson, pictured at home in Ipswich circa 1980, was friends with Gina Long
In 1999 she helped form the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity along with other people including Sally Balch, who later died of the disease.
"I know my friend Sally will be smiling down, as will Sir Bobby, who inspired me to create Sir Bobby's Online Auction," Mrs Long said.
Mrs Long was a friend of former Ipswich and England manager Sir Bobby, who died of cancer, external, and says four football-themed auctions in his name have raised a total of £875,000 for charity.
"I want to thank so many people who have been on this journey with me," she said. "I would not be able to do what I do without the support of so many people supporting my fundraising initiatives, and at times crazy ideas."
Seventeen other people from Suffolk are being honoured.
Former Suffolk County Council chief executive Lin Homer becomes a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath, while Steuart Bedford, a leading expert on Benjamin Britten, has been appointed OBE.
Eight other people from the county were appointed MBE, with another five awarded British Empire Medals.
