I have two parents that got divorced when I was very young. From the moment of the divorce and before, my mum has been the best parent anyone could ask for. She provides and is loving and caring to everyone, especially her children. She will also do anything in her power to watch us succeed, whether that’s in tests or in our daily life at school. She will always be able to put a huge smile on mine and my siblings’ faces and has always clapped loud enough so that we don’t notice who didn’t clap for us.

My mum is the most important person in my life. She raised both me and my brother single handed while tackling her chronic illnesses and disabilities, whilst still managing to always keep a smile on her face, and keep us happy. Even when times were tight, and she didn’t have much, she would sometimes go hungry to feed my brother and I. She always made sure I had what I wanted and needed most and sacrificed so much for me and my brother.

At Christmas one year when we were younger, she got really ill with her Crohn’s disease and ended up in hospital, but she still go out of her hospital bed after her operation to make sure I got the Barbie doll I wanted despite the doctors telling her not to leave! She always remembers what I like, keeping my favourite drinks stocked in the fridge or bringing home my favourite candy. She always made me feel special, loved and supported. She helped me when I decided not to go university and instead go to do an apprenticeship even when everyone else was telling me not to.

She is THE strongest most hardworking person I’ve ever met. I’m proud to call her my mum!

Being a single mother is not easy. This year I would like to recognise the journey of being a single parent to an 8 year old boy with different special needs, with health issues myself and all of life’s other challenges like housing, my rights, my sons rights.

Ashlene Marshall

Ashlene became a single parent 4 months after her second child was born. She found out her husband was having an affair and she was left caring for 2 children under the age of 3. She had to return back to work when her second child was 7 months old because she couldn’t afford not to. Both her and her ex-husband had a lot of debt and her in-laws who had given her husband money to buy their house, decided they wanted their money back and that she would have to move out because they wanted to sell it.

She moved into a rental property, worked hard to settle the debts in her name and studied alongside her job as a community nurse to gain her district nurse qualification. She achieved that qualification and worked hard and was eventually able to buy herself a house for her and her boys. Her second son was diagnosed with what is thought to be autism and she has fought for him to be diagnosed alongside the school and he was recently given his EHCP.

She has struggled financially but has worked hard and now alongside her district nursing she is a slimming world consultant helping others to lose weight like she did. She has been an inspiration and shows what hard work and determination can do and how she never gives up and is constantly striving to achieve a better life for herself and her boys.

Becca is the mum to two gorgeous children, an almost 3 year old and an almost 1 year old. Becca recently became a single parent and I am so so proud of her, for not only taking that step but for how she contantly overcomes life’s challenges. Not only is she a single parent to 2, she’s also self employed, managing a business and trying to build a life for her and her kids. She often doubts herself but she is the most incredible mum, I’m constantly in awe of her. Her kids are the happiest, most loving, polite children, she goes above and beyond for them. To me, she is a super parent and deserves some recognition of everything she does.

Bev is a single parent superhero and is the best mum to her little boy. I met Bev a few years ago through a Gingerbread group on a freezing cold Northumberland beach in winter and we instantly became friends, bonding over being single parents and veganism! Bev doesn’t know how awesome she is and not only is she the best mum and bringing up an awesome little boy, she is also super caring and somehow finds the time to be the first to offer practical help to myself and other single parents in the local area.

My Nana is almost 90 years old and lives 4.5 hours away from me in another part of the country. Despite this, when I gave birth she travelled up the country on a National Express to help support me. As a single parent who lost my mum to cancer when pregnant, she has been available to me on the other end of the phone for any advice or just reassurance and encouragement. Without her love and support I am not sure how I would have coped over the last 18 months. Despite the physical distance between us I know I am not alone.

Bryony has been put through the mill and still manages to be a brilliant mum to her boys and bonus mum to my daughter. Our children are technically step siblings however, we are one lovely bonus family. She works and still manages to keep her boys in a great routine, has a beautiful home which is always spotlessly clean and tidy. She loves my daughter as her own as do I her boys, we couldn’t imagine life without them all. She has supported me through my tough times too which means so much!

Relentless optimism and resilience in the face of tough circumstances. Always there for her children and everyone around her. Completely inspiring.

Nominating myself because I have to balance everyday life on my own as well as bring my daughter up. It gets hard at times dealing with school, parties, sickness, home and I’m trying to set up a business so we have some money coming in.

Claire has received two nominations as a single parent superhero:

‘Claire is a fantastic person! Curious about the world and is always ready to help anyone and everyone! She supports her daughter in pursuing a a cheerleading career and starting out with her chosen degree at university. She helps her friends whenever they need support. But where I know her best is when she moves heaven and earth to help students when they need help. Claire will spend long nights helping students if they have been chucked out of their accommodation, she will order and deliver pasta pots to the libraries to help students who are studying for their assessments and she thinks of many different ways to support students who are in financial difficulty. Most recently, Claire has started helping student parents by providing information about the support available at the university. I am so impressed with Claire – the time she gives to everyone and the thoughtful ideas she has to support people she knows and those she doesn’t! I’m in awe of her everyday. She is a real everyday hero!!!’

‘Claire has been an amazing mum to her daughter Jess. She has worked tirelessly to support her interest in cheerleading which has enabled Jess to excel and take part in international competitions in the USA. In addition to providing transport to practice sessions and national competitions, Claire has also fundraised tirelessly to support Jess’ participation whilst working full-time. Claire is resourceful, calm in a crisis and is always willing to help those in need.’

I am nominating my mom because she is a superhero and the most important person in my life.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my father left our family. We were victims of domestic violence, but my mother always did her best to protect us and keep us safe. She homeschooled me and my brother while working from home, always providing for us and teaching us to be strong and follow our dreams.

When our landlord gave us notice, my mom fought tirelessly to ensure we wouldn’t become homeless. Despite all the challenges, she is pursuing a PhD and has always supported me in achieving my dreams—including becoming the youngest Afro-Portuguese author to publish a book in the UK. She also encouraged my brother to become a kidpreneur and launch his children’s fashion brand, JCFashion Star.

Even with everything she has been through, my mom continues to help other single mothers and is the most generous person I know. She is an overcomer and a giver, and I am so proud to have her as my mom.

An all round amazing human who is bringing up her daughters in true warrior style despite all the challenges she has faced. Her positive energy and resilience absolutely shine. She is an inspiration! She also puts so much care and energy into supporting others through her work.

Nominating Emily because they have been through court and legal battles after years of abuse and she is doing an amazing job with her daughter who is neurodivergent.

What a wonderful mum Emily is to her little boy! She has taken him abroad on her own and they go to the most beautiful places all over the North East (and further) in their campervan. He is learning to enjoy the little things in life like a beautiful sunrise or a walk on the beach at sunset, I love seeing all of the things they get up to and the relationship they have. We all know single parenting isn’t easy, Emily works hard to provide for her wee boy and it can be tough, tough to be away from them but also tough to not get a break sometimes. She seems like she gets the right balance and her boy is growing up to be such an amazing little character with his mum’s sense of adventure, she should be very proud of the lovely kind kid that he is. She is kicking butt at this single parenting malarky, who needs two around when the one you have is this awesome! I am so pleased our boys met and through them we have become friends, life is full of radiators and drainers and pretty much everybody goes into one or other of these categories – Emily is definitely a radiator and we love spending time with her and her son. Go Emily!

Best mummy ever and always try your hardest for me and my sisters xx

Always puts others before herself, no matter what the situation. Always tries to make people happy, even in her job as a carer. Total legend.

I’m nominating myself as nobody else would even think to nominate me. I am raising 3 children, 2 of them, solely on my own. My eldest child is autistic and my youngest child is going through the referrals process. I do everything on my own, every bedtime, school drop off, bath time and I have a part time job as well. My son has gone from strength to strength since his diagnosis and I make sure that my children’s needs come first every time. I gave birth to my girls with my mum there and then she had to leave, so literally from the time the girls were an hour old I’ve been on my own. We had numerous hospital stays, I would be at the hospital through the day, home on a night for my son and then straight back to the hospital the next day. My girls are happy, beautiful little girls and I’m raising my son to be the type of man who puts others first but will also stand his ground when needed. I have overcome post partum anxiety and psychosis, I have proved medical professionals wrong when it comes to my children and I will advocate for them until my last breath to make sure that they always have what they need and deserve. Every day is a battle, there is no respite but I absolutely worship my children and bringing them up has been the single greatest pleasure in my life.

Gabby has received 4 nominations

“Gabby is the extraordinary single mother of twin little boys who will be two in May, and her 10-year old daughter.

She’s a wonderful and protective mother, from the start she concentrated hard on the fact that she was going to have to support herself and her daughter in the future. During the next seven years she completed a foundation year, 3 year degree, and started a PGCE (which was unsustainable during lockdown 2).

She was so protective of her daughter that she didn’t really date until July 2021 when a work colleague introduced Gabby to her brother in law. Within 4 months they were sharing a home, but in May 2023 Gabby gave birth to twin boys and their father abandoned them all when the boys were 12 weeks old. He hasn’t seen them since, has never  voluntarily contributed a penny to their lives, doesn’t give gifts for birthday and Xmas, and has been unreliable and erratic with contributions through the CMS.

With her life and self confidence in tatters (not to mention the sleep deprivation and exhaustion) through the callous and selfish acts of these men, this beautiful young woman still provides the warmest, most love filled home any child could wish for,  and we are deeply proud of her and her three beautiful children.”

“Raised a ten year old fire cracker and twin 1.5yr old boys single handed. She is amazing.”

“Gabriella has spent the last two years bringing up twin boys on her own, after her fiancé did a bunk. He makes no attempt to help her and shows no sense of responsibility for them. She has devoted her life over these two years to ensuring that the boys are loving and polite. She is a supermum and deserves to be recognised as such.”

“Gabby is an incredible mum. She has raised twin boys completely on her own after the father abandoned the twins when they were 12 weeks old and hasn’t made any effort to see them since. She also has a 10 year old. Being 29 with twins of nearly 2 plus a 10 year old going on teenager, is extremely challenging but everyday she really is super mum, playing the role of mum and dad with no sleep and they wouldn’t ever know anything different. She truly is inspirational and I have no idea how she does it.”

Gemma Morrison

Gemma is a very hard working, positive person. She works hard, always going above and beyond for her community, she is a positive role model and a great mum. She has faced personal, financial and housing issues but always brings her best self to work, helping customers and her community with pleasure and professionalism.

I have worked with Gemma for 10 years now and have enjoyed watching her grow the community role she works in and be recognised. Great things ahead hopefully for Gemma, she deserves it!

Gemma (my sister) has been a single parent since her son was only a few months old. Left at a most vulnerable time, a string of empty promises and a catalogue of lies, raising a baby on her own. Despite this, she sacrifices everything to give her son the best life she can. She has to handle absolutely everything herself as there is very little co-parenting. She creates the fun and magic, gives her son every opportunity she can for him to experience life, grow, achieve. He is her world, her purpose and her best friend. He is 4 years old and can swim 50 meters, he can read absolutely brilliantly, he sells poppies every year, he’s brave, has the most positive can do approach to life. She teaches him right from wrong, she teaches him manners and he is the politest boy. And Gemma can be confident this is all down to her determination to make the best life for him. She has given up so much to enable this, entirely devoted to him. For many years she was unable to go out and have a social life, unable to pursue any hobbies or interests for herself as she was always parenting. This has gotten a little easier now he’s older and she can get the odd run in when he’s at ‘squirrels’.

I just know that one day, her son will look back, hugely grateful for all the sacrifices and full of admiration for his mother, as are we all.

She deserves admiration. She’s never given up despite very challenging circumstances. This strength shines through both her and her son.

Harrie is a fantastic single parent to 2 boys, 11 and 8, she has overcome some difficult challenges in the time she has been a lone parent. Harrie is a strong determined woman, who has achieved all her goals all whilst being a lone parent. I am very proud of who she has become. Harrie went to university at the age of 27, (5 years ago) to undertake a 3 year course in Paramedic science, she achieved this despite the difficulties of having very small children, she passed with an honours degree. Now a fully qualified Paramedic works 2-3 days a week, to provide the best for her family. Harrie manages her work life around her family, she provides all the love and support they need as a lone parent. Harrie does not receive any financial support from her ex husband, but has plenty of support from her friends and family. Harrie moved home to provide better schools in her area, her children have a very social active life. Harrie has proved not to let being a lone parent stop what you want to achieve in life.

Works tirelessly with love patience for her severely autistic son. She is always happy, kind and very generous.

Helen’s husband died of Covid in the early days of the first lockdown and is bringing up their 3 gorgeous children on her own being mum and dad whilst still working. The children and her are obviously still struggling to make sense of it all but are all amazing and managing to take part in clubs and activities.

Jane has received 2 nominations in the single parent superheroes category:

‘My mom has been through hard times but continues to be my biggest inspiration through and through.’

‘My mom is the best mom to me and my sister. My other sister passed away at 3 months and she has just been an inspiration my whole life. She is the best Nanna to my children and I couldn’t be luckier. She really deserves recognition and every day I thank her and appreciate her but I would love for her to receive this surprise recognition.’

Nominating Jenny because she works full time as a teacher, recently moved house and is giving her daughter the best life she can.

I am nominating my mum because she has given up her whole life to raise me when she was only 18, my mum had to do take this journey on her own. She chose to not go to university and pursue goals she chose to give it all up for me. My mum has given me every opportunity to enjoy my childhood, even though we struggle for money but my mum didn’t want me to miss out on the joys of life she works as a Teaching Assistant and Nurture Teacher and since I can remember she has taken me on holidays and trips that I shall never forget , my mum has always supported me in everything I do and has shown me right from wrong in every situation. She has made my life so special in every aspect of life and i am so grateful and thankful for all she has given me in my life. My mum has been recently in hospital and when she came out she didn’t stop for a second to get back to being a parent. She has been a mother all of her adult life and I believe that she recognised for her amazing ambition and courage to go against what everyone told her and to raise a child at 18 years old. After 14 years of just me and mum we are still going from strength to strength, we are a unique family but we have each other and what’s what matters in life, mum is my hero and I want people to know that!

-From Toby Niblett

Julia is the most selfless kindest person I’ve ever met. Not only is she a solo parent to two incredible kids (twins) one of them is a heart hero that obviously comes with a lot of complications and constant stresses. Yet she just strives to give them the best life full of wonderful memories!

She is a great personality, she helps a lot of the community and what she has been through is not easy at all. She is a single mother raising 2 children alone, she has been through manipulation, domestic violence and is still going through a lot of pressure even after 5 years of separation. She is a great personality and she is always there for others.

Kate is a single parent of an autistic teenager and has had a challenging time caring for him and remaining optimistic. She has maintained efforts and hope that he could move from almost non verbal and staying in his room, not going out, to having just started doing music at a college. This has taken a superhuman effort to remain motivated and patient. Kate deserves recognition for this.

Kate has been a single parent to her son since he was born. She has had to face problems managing his relationship with his father. Although Kate wants her son to have a relationship with his Dad, it is difficult as his Dad is a heroin addict. She has had to face some legal challenges by her son’s father which have not been easy for her to deal with. Her son has also been diagnosed with autism, and a few years ago, Kate was diagnosed with autism also. In spite of her difficulties due to her condition, Kate is marvellous in how she deals with her little boy. She is always a calming and reassuring influence on him when he gets agitated. She is responsive to his needs, e.g. knowing when he has had too much sensory stimulation and allowing him to relax in a dark and quiet environment. Kate and her son got a rescue dog as an addition to the family, which turned out to be suffering from epilepsy. Again, Kate dealt with this, without alarming her son. In short, Kate is an amazing mother to her little boy who has complex needs. She always puts his needs first and deals with difficult situations with empathy, love and a calm and reassuring nature, despite the turmoil going on inside her.

Kuljit left an abusive relationship with her 4 children and has raised them single-handedly whilst also dealing with several health conditions. She has also supported her parents and siblings as they suffer health conditions. Kuljit worked 2 jobs to save a deposit to buy a house whilst also looking after her children and supporting her fanily alone. She is one of the strongest and most inspiring women I know.

My daughter Lauren is truly awesome, and I say that in the true meaning of the word. Having been a highly successful SEN coordinator for her primary school supporting children in care, she decided to give her own love and support and support a child of her own. Her beautiful 5 year old daughter came to her two years ago and she has done an amazing job settling her into her new home, easing her traumatic separation from her foster family and showing her how much she means to her. Having never being a mum before, she’s done an amazing job, and whilst returning to work too. My daughter is selfless, caring, supportive and the kindest person who not only helps others, but does so with love and devotion. She has a way with children, who in their darkest moments, know and trust her and I couldn’t be more proud. She is a true champion for children in need and makes me extremely proud.

Lisa is a single mum to two girls. She works full time to support her children, juggling day to day with the needs and requirements that come with having two kids and being on your own. Lisa does not allow anything to stop her providing the best support and opportunities for her girls. She ensures they are able to attend multiple weekly clubs and activities, and also is the Treasurer for her daughters’ PTA. This in itself comes with multiple challenges and can be very time consuming and demanding. Because Lisa does not want her girls missing out on anything, she puts everything she has in to supporting the PTA to bring in valuable funds for the school.

She works tirelessly and never stops, and although she can’t always afford to, she tries to take her girls out from time to time to enable them to bond and become a closer family unit.

Lisa is a valued member within her workplace and is very efficient and organised. Many people in Lisa’s position wouldn’t cope with juggling everything that she does and would not manage to keep the consistency that Lisa can clearly demonstrate.

Lisa never asks for thanks, she never realises the amount of effort she puts in to what she does, and should be recognised for her tenacity to get the best out of everything for her girls. She never lets anyone down and just wants to do what she can to create continued success. This is what we see day in, day out and she never fails to amaze us.

Louise is a fantastic mum and does it alone, supporting her children and giving them the best life and experiences she can. Not only that, she works in a special needs school with children and young adults with severe learning difficulties/autism. It is a very stressful job but she loves it. She is a selfless woman who deserves to be recognised for all that she does.

I’m thrilled to nominate myself as a ‘Mother Super Hero’ and ‘Single Parent Extraordinaire.’ As a dedicated single mother, I’ve gone above and beyond to raise my teenage son, who’s currently excelling in STEM studies in Senior High School. His dream is to become an Engineer.

His father abandoned us when he was born, leaving me to care for him alone. Despite the initial challenges, I persevered, returning to school to earn my degree in Accounting when he turned two. I aspired to become a professional accountant, but prioritizing my son’s education, I put my own goals on hold.

For now, I’m working hard to provide his basic needs, ensuring he completes his high school education. In three years, I plan to secure a scholarship for his degree studies. Meanwhile, I’ll save up and potentially pursue my own professional certification or scholarship, allowing us to achieve our goals together.

I’m proud of the remarkable young man my son has become, and I believe my unwavering dedication and hard work make me a true ‘Mother Super Hero’.

Mariam is going through a horrendous divorce with a man who is making her life beyond challenging and still living in her house! She has remained extremely gracious throughout it all, showed up to work every day, puts on a brave face, goes through court with her head held high and remains the best parent I know. She makes time for her three babies, lets them vent about their father to her without joining in, takes them out every day and just remains a wonderful person throughout all the pain she’s going through.

I am nominating Michael, a single parent to his daughter Sophia, for his remarkable dedication, resilience, and unwavering love as a parent. Michael has faced the challenges of single parenthood with extraordinary strength and grace. Despite balancing work, household responsibilities, and the emotional demands of parenting, he has created a warm, nurturing environment for Sophia to thrive. He has been both a provider and a constant source of emotional support, ensuring that Sophia feels loved and secure every step of the way.

One of the most inspiring things about Michael is how he overcomes obstacles. As a single parent, he has had to navigate countless logistical challenges, from managing school runs and extracurricular activities to ensuring Sophia’s needs are met without the support of a co-parent. He has also faced financial pressures but has always prioritised Sophia’s wellbeing, ensuring she has access to opportunities that foster her growth and development.

Michael’s ability to remain positive and compassionate through these challenges is truly admirable. He is not only a role model for Sophia but also an inspiration to those around him, showing how resilience and love can conquer even the toughest circumstances.

I believe Michael deserves to be recognised for his incredible efforts as a single parent and for the positive impact he has on Sophia’s life and those who know him.

Rachel has received 2 nominations in the single parent superheroes category, and has also been nominated as a campaigner superhero.

‘My mum has always been a role model to me and with all she has been through, she still carries on trying to help other people by sharing what she has been through, trying to make changes for everyone else. The fact she has taken the bad things that have happened to her and is able to use it in a good way to better effect other people makes me so proud.’

‘My mum is my inspiration for everything in life, genuinely one of the strongest people I’ve had the greatest honour being raised by, she constantly fights for change even if it takes a toll on her, making sure people without a voice have one.’

I’m nominating my mum because she has been both parents to me and my three siblings, raising us with endless strength, love, and resilience. Being a single parent is never easy, but raising four children on her own is a challenge that she has faced with unwavering dedication. No matter how hard things got, she always put us first, ensuring we never felt like we were missing out on anything.

She has worked tirelessly to provide for us, making sacrifices without ever complaining. Even when she was struggling, she still made our house a home, filled with warmth, laughter, and love. She has been our biggest supporter, always encouraging us to chase our dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles we faced.

Through all of life’s ups and downs, she has remained strong for us, even when she had no one to lean on herself. She has taught us the meaning of resilience, hard work, and unconditional love. We are who we are today because of her.

My mum is not just a mother—she is our superhero. She deserves this recognition for everything she has done and continues to do for us every single day. We are so lucky to have her, and I hope she knows just how much she is loved and appreciated.

She has always been there through the hard times – wiping our tears away and making us feel nurtured. I would love her to get a certificate with “single parent superhero” on there!!

She always makes sure there is a roof over our heads no matter how hard it’s been with one income. She always ensures there’s food in the fridge and on the table.

I love my supermum!

A single mum to five kids, studying and working to become a social worker. She works so hard so they can have.

Sarah is a single parent who has raised her own two children and supported her daughter to raise her two granddaughters but alongside this she gives up so much time, energy and support to lots of other children in her local community. She works in a local community centre where she runs all kinds of activities including messy play activities for babies, and an affordable after-school club. In the summer holidays she does everything she can to give the local children as much summer fun as possible, organising days out and residential trips. She’s been doing all this for years and is always kind and caring to her own family and to others. During the pandemic she organised lots of fun, socially distanced activities in her own neighbourhood and when she got back to work she delivered loads of treats and activities to local children who were in lockdown. She set up a Santa letter service for local children and arranged for visits to the families with Santa to their own homes, bringing festive cheer and fun, even during the pandemic. She works so hard and always goes above and beyond to make a difference. She works with adults with additional needs too and brings together children, older local people and adults with additional needs to enjoy trip and seasonal activities together, building community cohesion and fostering understanding across her community. She really is a tour de force and deserves to be recognised

Amazing single parent, parenting twin teenagers, working full time in further education, doing a PhD and running a successful eco stationery business start-up at the same time! And supporting me through my divorce!

Thea is so hardworking. She is looking after 3 young children and still manages to juggle managing a Gingerbread meet-up group and full-time work. The Finsbury Park Gingerbread group she runs has been such a source of support for myself and so many other single parents.

She is open and honest about how challenging things can be, but doesn’t let these things grind her down. She definitely deserves this nomination and so much more. Thank you Thea.

Thea has also been nominated in our community superheroes category.

Victoria is a single parent to her two sons Stanley, 15, and Zach, 9. Both sons are neurodivergent as is Victoria. She has overcome many life struggles from being hospitalised with an eating disorder to domestic abuse. She is currently moving house and dealing with all the admin that comes along with that. She is an incredible friend who finds the time to check in and think of others and is always thinking of how she can help. She is funny and kind and has been a shoulder for me to lean on with my co-parent struggles, and finding out I am neurodivergent too. She also manages to do pole fitness each day and teaches others. It would be lovely to see her recognised for the wonderful person she is and the excellent role model she is to her sons.

Surviving an abusive relationship and multiple violent attacks, with one almost ending her life. She has held life together and never once failed to put the children first and make sure that they are warm, loved, fed and educated despite huge violent opposition from the paternal family and husband. She has been supported by Kaleidoscopic UK Vickie Robertson. She is brave and strong and a wonderful mother of three, an ambassador of true love for her children.

Vishakha has separated and been dealing with a legal battle with her ex for nearly 5 years.

In 2022, Vishakha set up a Community for Asian single, widowed and divorced individuals, creating a platform to bring people together and have a sense of belonging. This is especially important in the Asian community, as they are often judged and looked down upon when a failed marriage happens  or due to life’s journey, they are alone.

Vishakha has bought about awareness, through her platform of over 1000 participants, subsequently setting up further successful platforms.

Vishakha has created so many joyous events from treks to theatres, dinners, karaoke, dinner and dance, trips abroad to comedy. Through her platform so many people have genuinely connected, creating genuine friendships, people’s confidence has grown and people feel finally they are heard, valued and are important in their own rights. This would not have been possible without her sheer dedication and looking out for us all no matter what she is battling in her own personal life. She is resilient, enthusiastic, energetic and with her charismatic nature, can do attitude, she is pro-active and determined to make a difference with her contagious smile and drive.

Her son Viaan who is only 6 years of age is lucky to have a great role model to grow up to, and often attends events from picnics and dinners to walks. It’s inspiring how Vishakha can powerfully execute events alongside her son’s presence hand in hand. She continually inspires Viaan to undertake charity work at such a tender age as she often says its important a foundation, where Viaan has awareness and consciousness of how lucky he is, gratitude and working/making a difference to others who have less – simply beautiful.

I’ve been a single parent since giving birth to my son at 15-years-old and he’s now 18. Raising him as a young parent has been difficult but I worked hard to give him a home and pay all bills. I went back to education and graduated with a first class degree and more recently I’ve been working to build a business to give us better opportunities in the future. I have made a lot of mistakes along the way and we don’t have many trophies, but I am proud to have raised a young man with a good heart.

I’m nominating this person because they became a very young parent at the age of 18 to a lovely little girl. Ever since, she has been holding her own and doing the most amazing things with her daughter, even travelling around the world. No matter how tough life has got she got through it all alone. Excitedly she is expecting at 35 weeks with her second baby girl which she is also doing as single parent. She keeps going for her kids and never gives up. Everyday they are her world.