Maya in the running for courage prize

Maya McCormack formed the Laila Milly Foundation in memory of her daughter who died from a rare genetic condition in 2011.

The tot’s mum and father Steven started fundraising after little Laila Milly was diagnosed with Aicardi syndrome.

And they vowed to continue despite her death the day before her first birthday in March 2011.

Maya’s inspirational efforts have been hailed by the organisers of Sue Ryder’s Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards.

Maya has been nominated in the Jane Tomlinson Award for Courage at this year’s event.

She said: “It’s strange what life throws at you. But it’s wonderful to be recognised in this way.”

Maya and Steve, from Hemsworth, run a day centre which supports families with children under the age of five who are suffering with life limiting conditions or who have complex health needs.

And due to increasing demands, the couple hope to open the Kirkby Road facility full-time.

Maya said: “It was hard to meet families going through something similar to us.

“There was a huge support gap that needed addressing.”

The Women of Achievement awards take place at The Royal Armouries in Leeds on May 20.

Women from across Yorkshire will gather to celebrate their achievements, whilst also raising funds for the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice.

The award categories include achiever of the year in business, education and sport, young achiever, the Jane Tomlinson Courage Award and the Community Impact Award.

Georgina Abbott, senior hospice fundraiser, said: “We want to recognise and celebrate fantastic women in Yorkshire, like Maya, who might not realise that they have done something outstanding.

“Women of courage, like Maya, are faced with life-changing events – but they just get on with it.”

For more information on the awards visit www.sueryder.org