iVillage Community Award Winners 2008

Special recognition - you inspire us - Liann
Liann's story as well as her beautiful personality and friendship have touched many people within the iVillage community over the years.

After the pain of losing one much-wanted pregnancy, Liann and her husband were thrilled to conceive again in late Spring 2006. Pregnancy after loss is never easy, but this was an especially testing time. Liann had numerous complications and eventually developed pre-eclampsia.

Her baby was due in January 2007, but on 6th October 2006, little Emily Alice was born at just 25 weeks - nearly four months early.

One nomination reads: "Emily's story and determination captured the whole of iVillage. A large number of ladies were praying for Emily, holding out for positive updates and hoping beyond hope that Emily would pull through.

"Despite the stresses, the fears, the anxieties, the hormones, the pain, and everything else, Liann kept everyone up to date with her online messages and diaries.

"Emily pulled through some massive adversities. She took milk from her mother, and Liann got to care for her baby."

Sadly, Emily developed an infection and at 11 days old, she passed away in her mummy and daddy's arms.

"Despite her own pain and need for space and privacy to grieve, Liann was brave enough to come and update all of the well wishers on iVillage herself, and to a degree to counsel them by not ignoring their replies or shutting herself away. This takes indescribable strength and courage."

Liann's friends on iVillage wanted to remember Emily and they raised more than £2000 for Tommy's baby charity.

"When Liann talks of what she's been through, she doesn't talk about the pain. She says such things as 'We are so blessed to have been chosen to be her parents and only wish she could have stayed with us longer' which to me just sums and Liann's nature all the more."

Liann is now planning to open a nursery in memory of little Emily.

There is more information at: http://emily-alice-weir.gonetoosoon.co.uk

Judge Jeni says: "To be able to transcend such pain, without anger, is truly the mark of an inspirational human being.

"To become the catalyst for such good work by turning your back on resentment and embracing forgiveness and love is the blue print for all our great spiritual leaders.

"Liann should undoubtedly be recognised for her unstinting work on behalf of others."

Spirit of survival - Sam
Sam has three children, sadly the father of the youngest two was violent and dangerous throughout their relationship. The violence peaked when he very nearly killed her in front of the children.

She had to spend a long time in hospital, and a long time recovering from the attack. Her ex continued to intimidate her and, in order to protect herself and her family, Sam and the children were forced to relocate hundreds of miles from her friends and family, and spend time in a women's refuge. She has had to change her name.

Her ex did eventually end up in prison, and Sam had to fight to make sure the courts banned him from contacting the children. All of her children have been affected, her middle daughter considerably, suffering Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Sam was nominated by many members of the community, all of whom had been struck by her spirit and bravery. She has had to bounce back from more traumas than most people could ever imagine, and she remains an inspirational woman and friend.

Judge Dianne says: "Sam's story truly touched me - I believe that anyone who can deal with such physical and emotional trauma, and remain positive while watching their daughter go through trauma, is a brave and beautiful person."

Outstanding friend - Sue
Sue was nominated by a close friend, whom she met on the Single Parent Support message board on iVillage.

"Sue has been there for me through thick and thin. Despite having her own problems, she has supported me every step of the way. When I had to go into a refuge she offered to open her own house to us for a holiday to give me a break from a very stressful situation.

"When I had a breakdown she even sent me a 'psychiatrist in a box'! When I relocated, knowing nobody, Sue drove 300 miles with her kids to make sure I was alright, talked with me until 4am and gave me a sense of normality.

"Sue is the most decent person I have ever known and deserves the recognition of a good friend. She was the very first person on Single Parent Support to welcome me and sat chatting to me - and many others - night after night to help us through.

"I've struggled the last few years with friendships but one has never wavered. Sue has been there for me every step of the way."

Judge Jeni says: "This is so simple - actions speak louder than words."