A "truly inspirational" woman who has dedicated the past three decades to caring for hundreds of children has been named the Leicester Mercury's Mum of the Year.
Rosie Little, who has been a foster carer for 28 years, said she was "gob smacked, overwhelmed and amazed" to be chosen as this year's winner.
Eight fabulous finalists and their guests gathered at the awards ceremony, which included a champagne reception and three-course meal, at the historic City Rooms, in Hotel Street, Leicester, on Thursday.
The finalists' moving stories brought tears to many eyes as they were read out by the host, ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson.
Emma said: "I always expected today to be emotional and uplifting but it was more moving than I could have imagined.
"They are such selfless stories and these ladies have shown so much commitment and dedication to their families. All the mums are so big-hearted.
"You can't be a good mum without having good children – they all cared enough to put a pen to paper and nominate their mum, which is really special."
The room erupted in applause as judge Amanda Phillips, manager of Leicester's Haymarket shopping centre, which sponsored the event, announced Rosie, of Blaby, as the winner.
After collecting her award, Rosie said she had not been expecting to win.
"In my eyes, everyone is doing their best and are all amazing," she said.
"I am still fostering and will carry on – I think I want to go home to my kids now!"
Rosie was nominated for the award by her daughter Jodie.
Rosie fostered Jodie and her disabled brother 15 years ago.
Jodie said: "She took in myself and my severely disabled brother, aged three and four, and has been our rock.
"She has never turned her back on us – we're 18 and 19 and still live with her.
"The number of hospital visits, operations and time she has dedicated to my brother is remarkable."
Rosie was also tirelessly supportive when Jodie became a mother herself, she said.
Jodie said her mum had one birth child, a son, but had never treated her foster children any differently to him.
"She is selfless," said Jodie. "The best thing she has taught me is that family is not about blood, it is about love, care and stability.
"She is a truly inspirational woman."
Rosie's prize was £250, a weekend getaway and a trophy.
All eight finalists were given a goody bag with gifts from shops in the Haymarket shopping centre.
Introducing the awards ceremony, Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said: "We are proud and pleased to be celebrating Leicestershire mums.
"Reading through the nominations, it's clear you lead incredibly busy lives. Today is an opportunity for you to put your feet up and relax.
"What comes across from the nominations is the selfless way in which you give those around you love and care."
Judge Amanda said: "This is the second year we have sponsored the Mum of the Year Awards and we are honoured to do so. Being a judge is not easy. We are always very moved by the strength and commitment you ladies have shown to your family."
Amanda told the gathered mums: "One thing you should take from this is your families love you."
Last year's winner, Jane Plume, of Shepshed, was at the event. She told the audience: "What really mattered to me last year was that my daughter nominated me. Every mum is incredible – I think you should be very proud of yourselves."
Jane said she was in tears listening to the stories this year – just as she was last year.
Almost 100 mums were nominated by friends and family members for this year's awards.
The two runners-up were Sarah Bailey, from Northfields, and Mayuri Jhalla, from Highfields, both in Leicester. The other finalists were: Deborah Barker, from Highfields, who was dominated by her son for devoting her time to caring for her family; Mina Bhogaita, of Belgrave, Leicester, who gave up her job to help her daughter with communication skills; Christine Hargrave, from Humberstone, who has helped more than 50 foster children; Marci Herus, from Syston, who is a "super mum"; and Joan Linney, from St Matthew's, Leicester, who is "one in a million".
For more information, or to buy photographs from the event, visit:
www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ mumoftheyear
