THERE was not a dry eye in the house when a Worcester mum was crowned a regional Family Hero.

Jean Wilson, of Wells Road, Worcester, scooped the award for the West Midlands at the 4Children and Take a Break Magazine UK Awards 2013.

The 50-year-old’s story, of how and why she set up the charity New Hope, moved the audience and saw her honoured with the award that recognises committed people who go the extra mile to make life better for others.

The ceremony, hosted by Magic FM DJ Neil Fox with television and radio presenter Emma Forbes, heard that when Jean moved to Worcester three years ago, she soon realised that there was no support available for her daughter Emily, who is autistic and has severe learning difficulties.

She could not talk and needed extra care, so Mrs Wilson resolved to either “put up and shut up or do something about it”.

Her charity, New Hope, which provides a place where disabled children and their parents can make friends and feel less isolated on Saturdays and during the holidays. The centre has a sensory room and ‘soft play’ area with specialist provision and also takes the children on activity days for pastimes such as bowling, the cinema or horse riding.

Born on July 28, 2010, the charity started out helping three families and now New Hope is helping more than 80.

Laura Hamilton, who nominated Jean for the award, said: “Jean is an inspiration as she is so hard working.

“She gets so much pleasure from seeing the kids have fun at the activities. Often lack of transport makes things difficult but she finds ways around it. She is a leend, a great example of what parent power can do.”

Mrs Wilson said she felt so happy that the charity was giving parents the respite they needed to continue being good carers.

“Most of all, I am happy for Emily and the children,” she said. “Seeing them laugh and have fun on a day-to-day basis means the world to me.

“To be chosen as a regional winner for this award, I just think it’s amazing.

“I’m thrilled to pieces. It’s a tremendous honour.”

For more information visit newhopeworcester.co.uk.