A VOLUNTEER parent who goes "above and beyond" has earned the children's centre where she takes her son recognition in a local awards scheme.
The Pride of Gedling Awards, launched by The Nottingham Post and Gedling Borough Council, are celebrating the efforts of hard-working people who make a difference every day in the borough.
Netherfield's branch of the Nottinghamshire Children and Families Partnership is in the running for the Outstanding Community Project award.
Among the volunteers is Emma Waters, who offers her time, as well as taking her seven-year-old son Oliver there; he has autism and ADHD.
"I'm a single parent so it's just the two of us, but luckily I have very supportive parents," said Emma, of Curzon Street. "Between the three of us we do what we can. He's the best handful you'll ever have and I wouldn't change it for the world.
"With Oliver we had to have a lot of support to get him into special needs schools and things like that, so this is my way of giving back.
"I cannot work because my son needs so much care, but when he's at school it's my opportunity to help. I don't like not doing anything. I like to see what I can do and be able to give back. I've been brought up to be like that."
Trainee nurse Emma, 26, also sits on the parents forum and volunteers for a stay and play session, which is like a toddler group. She also does admin work in the office.
"It takes up a lot of my time," she said. "But I also volunteer for another charity for children with extra needs.
"I don't think I do any more than anyone else would do in the situation.
"I love seeing the kids' faces when they do things. We've just had a Christmas party and the kids loved it."
Amanda Williamson, who organises the volunteers at the Victoria Road centre, as well as the Carlton and Standhill branches, said Emma stands out among many volunteers.
"All the volunteers at the centre are amazing," she said. "But Emma goes above and beyond. She is always so positive and nothing is ever too much.
"Emma has spent her own time with other families who have children with extra needs to help through the problems she has already faced first hand.
"She's already a very busy mum and lights up the place. We couldn't ask her for any more."
Gedling Borough Council leader John Clarke said: "I know Emma and she is well worthy of recognition. Emma, and all the other volunteers, are absolute pillars of society.
"Volunteering all this hard work despite managing problems of their own is unbelievable."
