Mother’s heartfelt campaigning wins her national award

Brake’s volunteer manager Lisa Kendall nominated Jane Marsh for the award because of her dedication and commitment to the cause.

And the cause is terribly important to Mrs Marsh, who has been involved with Brake ever since her 20-year-old daughter Kelly died in 2005, after the car in which she was travelling – the driver of which had been over the legal alcohol limit - hit a tree.

She said: “I only do this because I am a mum who does not want it to happen to other people.”

Mrs Marsh was invited to a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament last Wednesday to be presented with her award.

She said: “I have spoken to so many people who are involved in Brake and listened to their stories that I felt unworthy. But they do make you feel so inspired to carry on.”

Mrs Marsh supports Brake, not only for its work on road safety campaigning and educating, but also for the personal counselling help she had received from the organisation.

She said: “Brake does such a variety of things - I really want people to know about this charity.

“I don’t know if I have made any difference to anyone, but I have just got to keep trying. I owe it to Kelly’s memory and to the people I have still got who I care about.”

Lisa Kendall said: “Jane is such a fantastic volunteer. She has thought of so many ways to support us and is absolutely superb - very committed and very passionate.”

To watch Mrs Marsh speaking as part of a West Midlands and West Mercia-wide anti drink-drive campaign, visit www.over-the-limit.co.uk