11:52am Tuesday 9th March 2010
By Herald Reporter
TEENAGER Jasmine Miller may only be 15 years old, but the Wootton air cadet manages to help her disabled mother look after her young brother and sister.
Jeff Samways, of Abingdon, has MS, but since he was diagnosed, has tirelessly raised almost a quarter of a million pounds to fight the condition.
Foster carers Rosalie and Rod James, of Abingdon, have taken in more than 100 children over the last 32 years.
They were among 75 unsung heroes of the Vale of White Horse who received awards last Saturday to mark their contribution to the community.
More than 170 people were invited to a lunch at Abingdon Guildhall to hear the stories of those nominated and watch them receive certificates from the chairman of the Vale district council, Alison Rooke.
Jasmine, of Deerhurst estate, Wootton, picked up an award for her “wonderful work in supporting her family”.
The youngster, a pupil at Bartholomew School, Eynsham, looks after her brother and sister, Eli, five, and Beatriz, three, for her mother, Teresa, who has a paralysed leg, and hip and back problems.
Jasmine said: “For me, it was a complete shock to receive the award because I didn’t expect to be recognised for what I do.
“I do things like cook and clean most days, or help get my brother and sister up and ready for school.
“I just get on with it — there’s no point having any negative feelings towards it, even if I have to miss air cadets occasionally to help babysit while mum goes to the chiropodist.
“You just do it because it’s your mum.”
Mr Samways, pictured with his certificate, 58, of Finmore Close, Abingdon, was diagnosed with MS 17 years ago.
He volunteers to help fellow sufferers at Mayott House, in Ock Street, Abingdon, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds, and is a former chairman of the Oxford and District branch of the MS Society.
He said: “It was such an honour when Alison Rooke spoke about me, I didn’t realise she was talking about me!
“I keep motivated by helping my friends, who are suffering worse than me.”
Mr and Mrs James began fostering in 1977.
Mrs James, 69, received the award for her fostering, but also for the support she provides to other carers. She said: “It’s great to know the Vale appreciates what we do and it’s nice to get a bit of recognition. We’re looking after two little girls at the moment and for the time being, we have no plans of giving up.”
Debbie Thompson and Hazel Beaver received an award for volunteering at a youth cafe at Peachcroft Christian Centre, in Abingdon.
Mrs Thompson said: “It seems unfair for me to receive the award because there are so many volunteers at the centre, but it’s good the kids are getting positive publicity.”
Council chairman Mrs Rooke said: “For me, it was an honour and a privilege to be able to provide the unsung heroes of the Vale with these awards.
“So much good work is going on across the district and it’s important that it is recognised.”
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