THREE parents who have always been there for their children despite coping with tremendous hardship in life have been nominated in our Community Pride Awards.

Catherine Edwards, of Strensall, lost her husband nearly five years ago when he died aged 52 of a sudden heart attack.

Two years later she was diagnosed with breast cancer – but she fought on, and after undergoing surgery and radiotherapy was given the all-clear.

Catherine has been put forward as Parent Of The Year by her daughter, Paula Edgar, who described her mum as “the most selfless and positive person” she knew.

Paula said: “My mum and dad were best friends and shared everything. But selflessly, after his death her main concern was to support my brother and I as well as my dad’s mum and sister.

“She never once complained about how hard it must have been for her. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, most people would have given up, but not her. I live in awe.”

Paula also told how she had recently returned from a holiday in Menorca to find her mum had decorated her bathroom, done all the washing and ironing and made sure there was food in the fridge.

Also in contention for the Parent Of The Year award is great-grandmother Nell Davitt, of Heworth, who lost her eldest son, Gerry, and husband, Larry, in a light aircraft crash 11 years ago.

She has been put forward for the accolade by her daughter, Marie Ledgway, who described her mum as an “extraordinary person”.

She said: “Where another person would have just given up, she didn’t and hasn’t. She is an inspiration to many and I am so proud to call her mother.”

Marie said her mum, who visits the sick of the parish on Sunday mornings to bring them Holy Communion in her role as Eucharistic Minister, was always there for her family.

She said: “She adores her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always makes fun for them. They love and respect her as we all do.

“She has such a wise head on her shoulders and is always there to help, but never controls.”

Meanwhile, Jim Laycock, of Bishopthorpe, has been nominated by his daughter, Lynda Robson, for being “the best dad anyone would ever wish for.”

She said despite adversity he stayed strong for his young children and always made sure they were happy.

• Nominations for this year’s awards have now closed