Brave young woman is an unsung hero

Jessica Hartley, of Ebury Street, Batley, received the unsung hero award at he Yorkshire Young Achievers Foundation gala dinner.

The 22-year-old was nominated for the award by her father and stepmother for the bravery she showed as her mother’s carer during her 10-month battle with the illness.

Jessica also took part in Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

She said: ”I never expected to win, so it was overwhelming when I got called. It was something I’ll never forget.

“The first time I did the race my mum was here and from then on she wasn’t. I’ve vowed to do it every single year now.

“It’s a really good day, because everyone’s in a similar situation so I love doing it.”

Her stepmother, Joanne Hartley, said: “Youngsters like Jessica are our unsung heroes because they have the courage and strength to step up to the mark and, by doing so, they inspire us all.”

Jessica gave up a job as an administrator for a law firm to be a full-time carer when her mother, Carol, was terminally ill.

She died in October 2012.

When Jessica ran the Race for Life the following year she was invited to address the crowds gathered at the starting line atTemple Newsam and tell her story.