A WOMAN who set up a charity which has helped hundreds of Essex youngsters has been shortlisted to win the prestigious Tesco Mum of the Year accolade.
Mum-of-four Gail O’Shea, 48, from Brentwood, set up Wipe Away Those Tears with her husband, Jason, in 2006.
It has now raised more than £1million with money being spent on granting the wishes of seriously, or terminally, ill children in Essex.
Wipe Away Those Tears has no overheads or administration costs as Gail takes on all of the administration duties, meaning all of the money can go to special causes.
Gail said: “I know there are other charities out there that do something similar to us.
“But ours is all about helping local children living in Essex.”
Gail is one of 26 inspirational women nominated for the award, which is backed by Radio One DJ Fearne Cotton as ambassador.
She will get £1,000 from Tesco for the charity, before the winner is announced next year.
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