A HEREFORDSHIRE woman has been named as one of the best carers in the country.

Aimee Stoddart, who works for Kemble Care, received a runner-up prize at the National Home Care Awards in London after beating hundreds of other nominees.

However, Aimee almost did not make the event.

The 27-year-old spent more than 100 days at Hereford County Hospital after being diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.

She was only able to leave a few days before the event and attended the ceremony on crutches.

"I was so honoured because it was such a big thing to be entered into," said Aimee, who is from Withington.

"To be in a category of six people was so amazing.

"I couldn't have asked for a better company to work for than Kemble.

"Their support has been amazing and I cannot thank them enough."

Aimee was diagnosed with endometriosis when she was 16.

It is a condition that causes small pieces of the womb lining to be found outside the womb.

Aimee had an operation on her womb last year, but it resulted in her being re-admitted.

She was only expected to be in hospital for three days in January, but ended up staying for 109 days.

"I am on medication because I cannot get my bowel to work properly - it takes ages for food to digest," said Aimee.

"It has been a long road and will take up to nine months for full recovery."

Aimee started caring for her disabled mother Claire when she was 16, which led to her deciding that the care industry was for her.

She joined Kemble Care nearly two years ago and has not looked back.

"Aimee has trained and worked very hard in her role as a carer at Kemble Care and she has a wonderful caring nature," said Kathy De Mattia, registered manager at Kemble Care.

"She thoroughly deserves her award.”