IF Gwent Big Brother contestant Helen Adams wins the show's £70,000 prize, she has pledged to give £10,000 to the British Dyslexia Association.

And according to her mother, that is just one reason why Argus readers should all vote to keep her in the house this week.

Helen, from Ty Canol, in Cwmbran, who turned 23 on the popular reality TV show last week, made the promise to donate part of her winnings before she entered the house in Bow, East London, on May 25.

Her mother, Liz, 52, a nursery nurse in Pillgwenlly Primary School for the past 12 years, said Helen struggled with dyslexia throughout her days at Durham Road Primary School and St Julians Comprehensive and even now had problems saying things correctly.

"That's why she keeps getting housemate Narinder's name wrong," said Mrs Adams. "Plus, she also knows someone called Surinder, so it's no wonder she gets confused! If she just told the others about her dyslexia, it wouldn't be a problem, but she doesn't like to be different from everyone else."

She added: "She is a bubbly, outgoing personality who loves to be busy, but only with the things she likes to be busy with. She doesn't think household chores are a necessity and will get out of them at all costs!

"She can't cook and doesn't like the kitchen, but I told her to do lots of washing up and make lots of cups of tea to make herself look useful!"

On Friday, Helen will learn whether she or 32-year-old teacher Penny will be the first to be evicted from the house and replaced by gay housing director Josh.

Mrs Adams, Helen's brother, Mark, a 25-year-old junior school teacher, her family and friends, have all been to London to rehearse eviction nights with host Davina McCall - just in case.

All her dance pupils have also vowed to make the trip to see the result. While praying the vote goes her way, the proud mum didn't believe Helen would be too distraught if she was evicted.

"I think she would be hurt that they nominated her after she gave away the Gucci shoes and handbag so they could all have a party for her birthday," she said. "But she only applied for a laugh and the experience. I don't think she ever thought she would actually get on. She hasn't gone in with any sort of plan to win.

"But, if she gets through this eviction and Penny goes out, it will do wonders for her confidence and make her realise that people like her."

Bubbly Helen was persuaded to apply by Paul and Rhoda Waite, owners of the studio where Helen teaches dance.

They are also close family friends who go on holiday with Helen and Liz and form part of The Team, along with the Waites' children, Robin and Jackson. Last year they went to Florida, and Helen has promised a repeat journey if she wins - plus a jet-ski for Paul.

The Waites were even roped in to ferry nervous Helen to the train station, after a national newspaper reporter knocked on the door as she was waiting for a taxi to leave for Big Brother.

Mrs Adams said: "She was told if a photo of her appeared in the papers before she went into the house, she wouldn't go, so she panicked. She phoned Big Brother and they told her to go to Bristol station, instead of Newport, and she had to be bundled into the car in a coat, cap and sunglasses.

"Paul took her to the station and the reporters chased him in his car, but he lost them in the lanes. Then her brother bought the train ticket at Bristol and waved her on only when the train was at the platform. It was all very cloak and dagger.

"She is the first Welsh girl on Big Brother, so I would love for everyone in Gwent to vote to keep her in the house," said Mrs Adams.