Sue is given Mum of the Year award (From Gazette)

Sue is given Mum of the Year award

4:00pm Thursday 9th February 2012 in Local News By Caroline Tilley

A MARVELLOUS mum who inspired her daughter to Paralympic greatness has been crowned one of Britain’s best.

Sue Bouckley, 51, of Empress Avenue, West Mersea, has been named Tesco Mum of the Year.

She was nominated by her daughter, Hannah Stodel, 26, who is tipped to win a sailing gold medal at the 2012 Paralympic Games.

Mrs Bouckley said: “I was a little bit embarrassed when I found out.

“I won the ‘supportive’ category, and when you read some of the stories from the other winners, what I have done sort of pales into insignificance.

“It really was unexpected.”

Hannah, who was born without a right forearm, nominated her mum because of the encouragement she gave her to follow her sailing dreams. As well as encouraging her to sail from a young age, Mrs Bouckley raised £65,000 by remortgaging her house and asking for donations to fund a new boat for Hannah’s team.

Mrs Bouckley said the family did not celebrate when they found out, adding it has been “business as usual”.

She said: “Hannah was really pleased I won.

“They haven’t actually showed me what she wrote, but I hope I get to see it at some point.

“It is nice I won, but at the same time, this is what I do anyway – support Hannah and help her achieve her ambitions.”

The family are looking forward to watching Hannah at the Games, including during the opening ceremony, for which they have tickets. Hannah, whose sailing team is ranked the world’s best in its class, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of my mum.

“She gave me the confidence to get out there and chase my dreams of a gold medal and she’s still doing just that today.

“She’s the best mum and most deserving of this award.”

As one of seven Tesco Mum of the Year winners, Mrs Bouckley will be presented with a trophy at a star-studded event in London next month.