The schoolboy's condition means he depends on her for round-the-clock care.

Now the 11-year-old has nominated her for the Echo's I Love Mum competition.

Paula, 34, of Penshaw, used to be a paediatric nurse, but gave up her role when 11-year-old Matthew's needs became too great.

The Portland School pupil requires constant support and Matthew wants to let his mum know her sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

Matthew, brother to Jack, 10, and Cameron, seven, said: "I sometimes shout if I don't get my own way, but my mam never gets cross with me.

He added: "I don't sleep very well and can be awake from two in the morning.

"My mam has to get up and sort me out and sometimes she can't get back to sleep."

"Sometimes my mam gets tired, but she always makes time for me and my brothers. We are always making cakes and doing things, like going swimming or for walks.

"I would love to give my mam something back for all her dedication she gives me.

"I know my mam would say: 'You are my son and I love you, no matter what'.

"I love my mam lots and she is the best."

Paula, who is married to teaching assistant Colin, 39, said: "I do read the Echo, but I would never have thought about him putting anything in for it."

There's still time to enter our Mother's Day competition after we teamed up with The Bridges to offer a prize of a fashion makeover worth more than £500.

Just tell us why you think your mum is the best by e-mailing craig.thompson@northeast-press.co.uk before midnight tomorrow.

Entries need to be from families in the Wearside and East Durham area. Please include a daytime telephone number.

* Usual Sunderland Echo competition rules apply.