A SUPPORT worker from Kidderminster has been given a national award for her role in helping children with disabilities and their families.

Anne Cheesbrough, who works for disability charity Sense, was presented with the Peggy Freeman Award for Exceptional Contribution at the company's 2019 awards.

Every year, Sense recognises one of its employees with the honour, which is named after Peggy Freeman, one of the parents who co-founded the charity in 1955.

Anne has worked at Sense for more than a decade and is based at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

She works with multi-disciplinary teams for rare diseases, offering practical, everyday advice to families in the Birmingham area and across the country.

On receiving the award, Anne said: "I’m lost for words which is a first! I have had a very long journey with Sense and have grown up with Sense.

"Each and every day is a learning curve. The young people I support have been inspiring for me.

"This is a real honour and a bit of a shock. Thank you from my heart. This is very appreciated.”

Sense supports children and young people with disabilities and multi-sensory impairments throughout their education and transition to adulthood through a variety of programmes - in their homes and communities and at dedicated centres.

Sense chief executive Richard Kramer said: “We’re delighted to present Anne with the Peggy Freeman Award for Exceptional Contribution.

"She is a highly valued member of our team who always goes the extra mile to make sure families get the best possible support.

"She has in-depth knowledge of our services and is always there for the people we support, providing reassurance that we’re there no matter where they live.”