| iVillage Community Award Winners 2008
From amazing mums and carers to incredible slimmers - meet the winners of the first iVillage Community Awards We've always known our message boards are full of strong, compassionate and selfless women - it's what sets us apart from other websites. But even we didn't expect the incredible number of nominations for our first Community Awards, or to read so many moving and humbling stories. Within days of our launch in February, we'd received hundreds of nominations outlining amazing stories of strength and heroism. Stories about women, who despite their own struggles and pain, continued to support, encourage and empower other members of our community. The stories were painstakingly short listed before our winners were chosen by a panel of a panel of inspirational women. Our lucky winners have each won a make-over courtesy of new < id, top tickets to see WICKED The Musical and a trophy to remind them just how how special they are. Find out more about the prizes.
Read our winners' stories: Mum of the year - Wendy Over the last 12 months, little Charlie has had vision and development problems, and has been diagnosed with the rare condition, Albinism. Throughout this time, Wendy also became a carer for her father who was suffering (and eventually died from) lung disease. Wendy herself has long-term health problems, but is so happy and upbeat that she's an inspiration to everyone. Wendy even manages to find time to voluntarily run a kids' group in her local community and is an active fundraiser for the project. Judge Rebecca says: "I was overwhelmed by Wendy's sheer strength of character. The past few years have been incredibly tough for her yet she continues to smile and find time for others."
Carer of the year - Dorne He also has several behavioural issues which, day-to-day, are an ongoing struggle for the family. Sadly, as a result of his problems, he has experienced terrible bullying in school and Dorne has become a real champion of others who have experienced - and are experiencing - bullying by becoming a Community Leader of iVillage's Beat Bullying message board. Dorne has health problems of her own, but despite all of this she is always on the go, helping people and doing everything she can for her family. She also manages to find time to work as a paranormal investigator! And she's not even 30-years-old yet! Judge Dianne says:"The bullying issue is a big one for me - to see such a young woman extending her care to others affected by bullying as well as her own is truly amazing."
Slimmer of the year - Mellers As well as encouraging others to stick with their weight-loss journeys on the Weight Watchers board, she also leads members on the Running For Fitness and Fun board and dedicates an enormous amount of time each week to motivating others. Mellers was nominated by several people - one sums it up by writing: "Many girls on our board suffer from a variety of problems such as depression, compulsive eating and comfort eating. "She has never put anyone down, and when she does speak sternly it's done in such a nice way. "She has had her own problems to deal with, which probably helps with her understanding of others, and some recognition would certainly make her YEAR." Judge Jeni says: "We all know that diets don't work unless there is a genuine understanding of the cause of eating. "We all know that keeping weight off and really dealing with the issues that keeps us running to the bread bin requires a helping hand and a big, fat dollop of nurturing clarity. "It sounds as if Mellers has that in bucket-loads." Special recognition - you inspire us - Liann 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 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 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." Community Champions - Julie and Vanessa The twins were treated by Southampton Neonatal Unit and are now doing brilliantly. Julie and Vanessa are Community Leaders on the message board, and they organised a sponsored toddle for the mums and their toddlers to take part on to raise money for the Neonatal Unit. Julie set up a justgiving webpage and they raised £223.50 for the unit. Judge Rebecca says: "Julie and Vanessa embody everything iVillage is about. They turned concern and compassion into action and took their community out of the virtual world and into a real one. Everyone who took part in the Toddle - mums and little ones - deserves special recognition."
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