A HEALTH visitor from Royal Wootton Bassett has been given an award by leading baby charity Tommy’s.

Brenda Bartlett was given the Hero award after being nominated by 33-year-old Carole Fowler, of Lyneham, for the help and support she gave her following the premature birth of her son Luke.

The Tommy’s & Danone Baby Nutrition Hero Award recognises the support of three different health care professionals across the UK who have gone the extra mile for mums and dads during pregnancy-related complications.

Tommy’s Let’s Get baby Friendly Awards is an annual event which aims to recognise those that have suffered through a pregnancy complication and the medical professionals, family and friends that have helped them.

Brenda, who is based at Manor House Child Health Clinic, in Lime Kiln, has offered help and support to Carole and Luke since he was born nine weeks early in 2008 and through his ensuing health problems.

“My little boy was born nine weeks early due to me being poorly with pre-eclampsia and HELLPs (a life-threatening obstetric complication),” said Carole.

“He was diagnosed with congenital heart defects and complex respiratory problems.

“We met Brenda for the first time when Luke was 11 months old, when we were preparing for him to come home.

“She visited me every week for months when I was feeling low, weighed Luke at home so I didn’t have to transport him and all his equipment in the cold winter months.

“She helped me emotionally: she asked me how I was feeling, listened to me cry and helped me come to terms with what had happened.

“Brenda has given me confidence in being a mum, not just a carer and helped me see the progress we’ve made.

“She has shown real interest in us as a family too. She was recently successful in writing to local charities asking for donations to help us get funding for Luke’s medical needs to be covered at pre-school.”

When she had heard she had won the award, Brenda said: “I feel honoured and privileged to receive this award.

“I was totally surprised to be nominated by Carole. I am glad to have helped with Luke’s on-going developmental needs and to have been able to listen and support the family.”

The awards ceremony takes place today at the Landmark Hotel in London.