A BATTLING Newport mother, who overcame personal difficulties to help others, has been nominated for a Newport Night of Honour award.

Marcia Clement, 44, of Rogerstone, has been nominated for the Newport Night of Honour Braveheart award, by best friend Claire Fitchie, for overcoming problems with her mobility to help others in the community.

Since receiving treatment for her condition, Mrs Clement has been working with the Jesus Cares scheme at the Kings Church in Newport, which helps provide food parcels for needy people across south Wales.

But she has also been involved in many of the churches productions.

Her work in the church includes being the head of the department of Cahoots, the Kings Church performing art group and her involvement in Skitwits, a series of comedy sketches with poignant moral messages.

The mother of five said: “I am so overwhelmed and absolutely stunned to be nominated for this award.

“Claire has been a rock to me through everything, ever since we became friends when I had my fifth child, and she was having her first child.

“We have worked together on productions such as Scrooge, where I was the writer and director and we plan to produce a large community production of Narnia together in December next year.

“I have had a lot of problems in life, as I have physical difficulties but Claire has always been there for me and she is one of the two people in my life who I would consider as my best friend.”

Her nominator, Ms Fitchie said: “She has battled with so much over the years. She is registered disabled, is always in pain with her back and her knee.

“She has also dedicated time to the many Christmas productions we have done in the church, always being the first there to rehearsals, always the last to leave, going the extra mile to ensure the 'show must go on'

“She is a mum to five, William Clement,17, twins Simon and Alexander, 16, Georgia, 14, and Holly, nine, with husband Simon, and has been a support to me with my children, as well as being an excellent example in parenting.

“She has faced many problems in her life, but never moans about them, never wallows, always has a listening ear, always likes to have a laugh.”

The Kings Church has teamed up with Argus for the third year running to find people and organisations that have gone the extra mile to help others.

Nominations are open now for the award ceremony which will take place on September 22.

The eight categories include; the above and beyond award, public service superhero award, parent of the year, volunteer of the year; and community organisation of the year.

To nominate an individual or organisation, fill out a form and send it to: Night of honour, Kings Church,71 Lower Dock street, Newport, NP201EH