A stunned Sunderland mum is in the running for an award - two years after she tragically lost her first child

Steph was stunned to be nominated for an award despite everything she has done to help others through her charity Love, Amelia.

She was put forward for a Best of Health trophy by a member of the public who said Steph and her partner Phil were ‘a true inspiration to others.

“They have touched the hearts of so many people. Creating a charity in memory of their beautiful daughter Amelia is such a kind and thoughtful way to help other families. I truly feel this family should be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community.”

Yet when we broke the news to Steph, she said: “I am a little bit overwhelmed. It is really humbling.”

Love, Amelia was created to remember the daughter of Phil Capewell and Steph Archbold, after she died when she was just minutes old.

The Castletown couple were told at their 20-week scan she had a series of conditions and would not survive when she was born, with Steph and Phil making the decision to continue with the pregnancy and spend what time they could with her.

The couple now have a five-month-old Jack and they are also devoting a lot of their time to helping others.

Their aim, through Love, Amelia, is to give all children an equal start in life and hopes to help families in need, such as those living in poverty, mums welcoming a surprise baby to those fleeing domestic abuse or difficult circumstances.

It is collecting new and pre-loved baby items including clothing, Moses baskets, toys and toiletries to give to families in Sunderland, who would otherwise be without.

Steph said: “It is going really well and we are still getting our name out there.”

And when asked how she would feel if Love, Amelia were to win an award, Steph added: “It would be good for the charity and it would help us to reach more people.”

There is plenty of time to put your own health heroes in the running for honours.

This year’s awards have the support of the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust who are headline sponsors. The category sponsors are East Coast Fitness, Wonderful Wig Company and NHS Sunderland CCG. We thank them all.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, April 6 and the judges will meet on Wednesday, April 8, to decide on the shortlist.

The grand finale is at the Roker Hotel on Thursday, April 30, when we will announce this year’s winners.

To nominate, send your name, address and telephone number, as well as your email address, if applicable. Remember to include the category you are putting your nominated cause into.

Also send the name of the person you wish to nominate, as well as their address, telephone number and email (if known).

Send all the details to Lynn Wild by no later than Monday, April 6.

Email those entries to [email protected] or send them to Lynn Wild, North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), Wearfield Enterprise Park East, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR5 2TA.

THE CATEGORIES

GP/ GP Practice of the Year.

Dentist/ Dental Practice of the Year.

Pharmacist/ Pharmacy of the Year.

Hospital Doctor of the Year.

Nurse of the Year.

Optometrist of the Year.

Therapist of the Year.

Midwife of the Year.

Care Worker of the Year.

Unsung Hero/ Customer Service of the year.

Healthier Lifestyle.