A DEVOTED wife who cares for her husband has been nominated in this year’s Comet Community Awards.

Dawn Searle from Walkern has cared for her husband Paul since he suffered a stroke in 2002, when he was just 40 and she was aged 36.

In addition to supporting her husband, she supports their son Rob who has a rare bone disorder and has had nearly 50 operations and her daughter Roxy, a busy singer/songwriter.

She has also set up a support group for her son and has encouraged Paul to make wood models of cars, tractors and trains which he has started to sell and exhibit.

Sue Ross, who met the couple through her workshops, nominated Dawn.

She said: “Dawn cares for Paul full-time and there is nothing that she wouldn’t do for him. It has been an immense change in her life since the stroke which happened so suddenly. Without any warning her life changed in a heartbeat. But she remains very upbeat and positive and would do anything to help others despite her own issues.

“Regardless of what has happened in her life, Dawn is always extremely positive and tries her hardest to make Paul and her family see everything in a positive light. She has struggled over the years with not being able to go on holidays and nights out that have had to be cancelled but never complains.”

She added: “Without a shadow of a doubt Dawn has been the complete rock not only to Paul but her whole family, She is an absolute inspiration and everybody that knows her just has no idea how she manages to do everything she does. She is a real-life Wonder Woman.”

The Comet Community Awards aim to recognise inspirational people, and this year’s 12 award categories include Role Model of the Year, Charity Champion, Good Neighbour, Young Achiever, Teacher of the Year, and Great and Green.

The deadline for entry is Friday, April 26 at 5pm.

Finalists for the 2013 awards will be invited to a ceremony at Icknield Centre, Letchworth GC, on Friday, May 17, where winners in each category will be crowned.

If there’s someone you think deserves to be recognised, visit www.cometcommunityawards.co.uk and complete the form.