A MOTHER who helps run and raises money a support group for children with additional needs has been put forward for a Proud of Barnsley award.

Alison Taylor is a board member of Barnsley Little Stars, a support group for parents, carers and children who have special needs and disabilities.

The group holds regular meetings, holiday and computer clubs, parties and evening activity sessions for children and their siblings.

Alison came across the group whilst working with special education needs teams in schools and felt strongly that such groups were kept going.

She said: “It is important to me to know there is something out there for the kids. When I’ve spoken to parent and carers, there isn’t a lot out there for them.

“I wanted to raise money for the group to help keep it going. It’s a support group and not a charity, and there’s not funds coming in regularly.”

Alison, 32, of Osmond Drive, Worsbrough Bridge, got in touch with Kerry Thompson, who also helps run the group and has nominated Alison, and they began to discuss fundraising ideas.

Alison had also worked at Barnsley Football Ground and kept in touch worth Bobby Hassell who donated the proceeds from his testimonial evening dinner. The money raised helped keep the club going for two years.

Alison then went on to raise money for the British Heart Foundation and the Bondfield Centre in Wombwell - two causes close to her heart.

Her partner John’s mother died following a heart attack, and his sister attends the Bondfield Centre.

Alison organised a fun day with a disco, karaoke and raffle prizes which raised £1,500.

She has also organised events for the leukaemia and cancer ward at the hospital in memory of her grandfather who died about 12 years ago.

She added: “When Kerry told me she was filling in the nomination form, I asked her ‘what for?’ I’m quite overwhelmed, really. I wasn’t expecting anything like this at all. It’s amazing.”

Alison is now a self-employed maths tutor and has been helping Kerry’s son who has autism. She also has two young children, Eryn, four, and Coban, three.

Kerry added: “Currently Alison is trying to organise some free events for children with additional needs to attend during the summer holidays this year, she never stops thinking of others. I don’t know how she finds the time and energy to do all she does while raising a young family and organising her wedding. I am proud to have met her and to be able to call her my friend. What an inspiration she is.”