A MOTHER with life-limiting cancer has been nominated for the Tesco Mum of the Year Award.
Naomi Thomas, 31, of Wellington, is a wedding planner with a difference as each wedding she plans is for a bride who, like herself, is terminally ill.
In 2009, Naomi was planning her future with her now husband, Graham, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After undergoing gruelling treatment, she was advised to take a five-year course of drugs to reduce the risk of her cancer returning. But Naomi had other plans...a family.
In February 2010, just two months after her treatment finished, she fell pregnant with her son, Devon.
Just six days after he was born, Naomi was back in hospital, where scans showed a tumour the size of an egg on her pelvis.
Doctors then revealed her cancer was terminal.
During this stressful time Naomi had to cancel her own wedding due to her illness.
But a wedding planner heard about her story and offered Naomi help at little cost. And inspired by this act of kindness, Naomi set up The Wedding Wishing Well Founda-tion in 2012.
To mark the tenth anniversary of its Mum of the Year Awards, Tesco is donating £1,000 to a charity of each shortlisted mum’s choice.
Commenting on the contribution, Naomi said: “I will spend my money on organising another couple’s wedding, as it will bring them a joyous day they can always remember.”
All shortlisted mums will be considered by a judging panel, which includes DJ Sara Cox, TV personality Gabby Logan and sports presenter Denise Lewis.
The winners will be announced early next year.
For more information on the Tesco Mum of the Year Awards 2015 visit tesco.com/living
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