A YOUNG woman who "made life easier" for a terminally ill child is the latest recipient of a Herefordshire Hero award.

Stacy Edwards, 24, was nominated by the mother of eight-year-old Emilia Palmer.

Emilia died last October shortly after she was found to be suffering with a lung condition.

Rachel Palmer said Stacy, a play specialist at Hereford County Hospital, did "more than she was expected to do" for her little girl.

Rachel, from Kimbolton, said: "I was in Birmingham Children's Hospital with Emilia and was reading the Hereford Times online when I saw some information about the competition, and I knew I had to nominate Stacy for it.

"She was so wonderful with Emilia and with the whole family - including Emilia's sister, Alexandra, and my husband Julian. She did a lot more than she had to.

"She came all the way up to Birmingham to visit Emilia, who loved to see her. She really made things easier for all of us and we have kept in touch."

Stacy, who lives in Whitecross, Hereford, also nominated Emilia to Rays of Sunshine, a charity that grants wishes to children living with serious or life-limiting illnesses.

Emilia's wish came true when she was taken for a spin in a pink Lamborghini with Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond.

Stacy said: "Emilia said to me that she had one more wish - for me to be there when she pulled up in the Lamborghini with her family and friends.

"I just looked after Emilia as I would with any child and I really didn't expect an award because I was just doing a job I love - it's my life and I can't imagine doing anything else.

"I just try to make being in hospital a nicer experience for any child and try to bring a bit of normality to them. Emilia was very crafty so we would do arts together and she loved it. I like to think I could help Emilia and the family a little bit. She was just an amazing girl."

Every month, the Hereford Times and the Great British Florist will join forces to give someone worthy of recognition a bouquet of flowers.

To nominate your Herefordshire Hero, email details to fiona.phillips@herefordtimes.com.