A SWANSEA Valley mum who set up a heart fund charity in memory of her eldest son has been officially crowned Tesco Mum of the Year.

Julie Cridland, aged 49, from Alltwen was presented with her Inspirational Mum Award at a star-studded ceremony at London’s iconic hotel, The Savoy, on Sunday, March 1.

Marking its 10th anniversary year, the awards celebrate ordinary mums who do extraordinary things for others.

Julie set up the Leon Heart Fund charity in memory of her eldest son Leon. He was born with a heart condition, which meant he needed a heart transplant at just 10 months old. Throughout his childhood, Leon spent a lot of time in hospital. Julie was often left short of money after having to pay for food, travel and parking while not being able to work.

In 2009, Leon, who had fundraised for cardiac charities along with Julie, passed away at just 13 years old.

He had often asked his mum if they could help other families facing the financial hardships they had endured themselves.

Julie, Julie, who is also mum to Ross, 16, wanted to make Leon’s wish come true and turned the fundraising into an official charity. The charity supports children and their families in the Paediatric Cardiology Department at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff and is working with the staff at Singleton Hospital’s neonatal unit in Swansea to offer the same services there.

Julie hosts numerous charity events to raise donations for the Leon Heart Fund. To date, she has raised over £100,000.

With the help of Tesco, and other donations to The Leon Heart Fund, Julie has been able to open a dedicated ‘quiet room’ in Leon’s memory with an adjacent sensory room at the Cardiff hospital.

Julie said: “The money will make a huge difference to the charity, as it means we will be able to buy new equipment, which will help make a difference to the lives of the children in the Paediatric Cardiology Department.”

Since the awards started 10 years ago, Tesco has supported the causes of over 80 mums. Julie’s story was selected from thousands of nominations sent in by people all over the UK and her story touched the hearts of the Tesco Mum of the Year Awards judging panel.

BBC Radio 1 DJ and TV presenter Fearne Cotton, is Ambassador of the Tesco Mum of the Year Awards 2015.

Fearne said: “There are so many inspirational mums out there who don’t know just how special they are! I am very excited to help give these incredible mums the recognition and appreciation they deserve.”

Debbie Chernin, Tesco Mum of the Year Manger, said: “Julie’s devotion to the Leon Heart Fund, which supports other parents and families with children in hospital, is truly inspiring.”