Inspired by the quality of entrants

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), June 10, 2009

OVER the years, I've been asked to judge many community events, and I can honestly say this has been one of the hardest.

I have never before read so many accounts of commitment, courage and fortitude, often in the face of great adversity and personal tragedy.

All the mums nominated showed exceptional qualities in the way they had risen to meet the challenges presented to them.

Choosing the finalists was never going to be easy and, of course, it wasn't - but I'm confident we have come up with eight very special mums who deserve recognition from the wider community.

If "mother" is the glue that holds the family together, the North East can boast some truly shining examples of women who have loved, nurtured and inspired the people closest to them..