A RUBERY mum has battled back from a catalogue of traumas to win a top award for her work as a foster carer.

Sarah Hewson survived a life-threatening illness, an induced pregnancy and twice being flooded out of her home to be named Midlands Foster Carer of the Year.

The 29-year-old was awarded the gong by independent fostering service Pathway Care, after being nominated by her foster children.

Sarah, who also has three children of her own, learned two years ago that she had a pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in her lungs. She reacted badly to her medication and had to have an induced pregnancy.

And to make matters worse, Sarah and husband Rod had to deal with being forced out of their home twice in two years because of severe flooding.

"We just couldn't believe what was happening to us," she said.

"But we knew we just had to get on with things regardless, and the whole family pulled together."

Sarah added that she was delighted at winning the award and described the satisfaction that fostering has bought to her.

"I am absolutely thrilled. It's been a tough few years, but what makes it really special is the knowledge that my foster children and family nominated me.

"It's great to feel loved and appreciated," she said. "It is truly satisfying to see a young person turn their life around for the better."

Jackie Edwards, director of Pathway Care Midlands, said: "Sarah encapsulates exactly what we look for in our carers - a genuine liking for children, a stable and supportive home and the ability to boost foster children's self-esteem while setting reasonable boundaries for behaviour."