Inspirational mother Nikki wins top award

A heartbroken mother who inspired thousands of people to become organ donors by telling the story of her tragic daughter has been crowned one of Britain's top mums.

Nikki Dawson won 'Positive mum of the year' in Tesco Magazine's annual Mum of the Year awards last night. Her award was for fighting back through tragedy after her two-year-old daughter Bethany lost her battle for life after being born with a rare condition. Today Nikki was having breakfast at Downing Street with Sarah Brown, who was one of the judges.

The awards recognise the achievements of exceptional mothers whose love, dedication, bravery or kindness has touched the lives of the people around them.

Nikki, aged 23, has fought tirelessly to raise awareness for organ donation since Bethany was born with the rare condition, gastroschisis – in which the intestine is exposed before birth and has to be replaced through a major surgical procedure.

Nikki , of Whinnyates Rise, Cannock, and her family dedicated themselves to Bethany's round the clock care.

At just 10 months old, it became clear that Bethany needed a liver and bowel transplant in order to survive. Nikki, aware of the shortage of suitable donors, launched a campaign via Facebook to encourage people to join the organ donation register.

The group reached more than 160,000 members. Sadly however, after a brave fight, on September 17 last year Bethany died.

Nikki is trying to raise funds for the hospice Bethany attended and to raise the awareness of the need of organ donation.

Nikki today said it had been odd to meet celebrities at the awards. "It was strange and surreal. I feel lucky to have been chosen for the award," she said. She went with husband Tim and their three-year-old daughter Katlyn. "We had a lovely weekend – they spoiled us rotten," added Nikki. The ceremony was at The Waldorf Hilton and was hosted by Fiona Phillips. Celebrities at the awards were singer Mick Hucknall and EastEnders Jessie Wallace and Patsy Palmer.