She has turned a traumatic experience into a positive for people in her community.

Isobel Howard is committed to supporting victims suffering from brain injuries which is why she is our latest nominee for the Daily Echo’s Community Star award.

In 2003 Isobel’s son Wayne, now 46 and a father of three, was involved in a motorbike accident where he lost a leg and suffered a serious brain injury.

The Howard family from Old Redbridge struggled to find support and advice to cope with the impact of the accident and to prevent other families finding themselves in a similar isolated position, they created the Wayne Howard Trust.

Now, the 69-year-old mother of three works tirelessly as a founder and trustee for the Southampton charity which provides support to those going through a similar traumatic and life-changing situation to that of her son.

She works as a volunteer to keep the charity running and is also part of the night care team, works in their charity shop in Shirley and carries out administration work.

Isobel is heavily involved in fundraising for the charity and encourages others to meet the trust’s financial targets to help spread knowledge and awareness for the charity, which has been running for 11 years.

And for her hard work helping families across the city, in 2004 Isobel was awarded the ‘Women of Achievement’ medal, presented by the then Mayor of Southampton Dennis Harryman and her ultimate aim is to fund a brain injury clinic in the city.

Wayne Howard Trust colleague, Mike Robinson nominated Isobel for the award, he said: “It is Isobel’s drive, enthusiasm, and desire to help others, which ensures the charity can continue its valuable work.

“They have a very close family and her work is such an inspiration to everyone who has met her.”