Thank you, MUM...

With Mother's Day approaching, four women salute their special heroines

FOR TEACHING ME WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A WOMAN AND A MOTHER'

Author Libby Page, 30, was raised by single mum Sally Page, 61, in North Dorset. Since having her first baby, Libby has come to appreciate her mother all the more.

I've so much to thank Mum for. Cooking fish pie and cleaning my house when I was in labour. Collecting me, my husband and our newborn from the hospital. That hug that I didn't realise I'd needed until I was in her arms, knowing she understood more than anyone how I was feeling.

I'm thankful for all the times she looked after her grandson but also all the times she's looked after me, letting me nap, knowing it's what I needed. For never judging me when I found motherhood hard, and for telling me again and again that I'm a good mum. And for all the things that came before

FOR BEING AN INSPIRATIONAL AND NURTURING ADOPTIVE MOTHER'

Barrister Bev Cripps, 57, was adopted as a baby by Dot and John Cripps, and raised in Wales. Dot dedicated herself to helping others and, after her death, Bev forged ahead with her plans to help other women live their best lives. 

I was so lucky to be adopted by two wonderful people. Mum was incredibly nurturing and encouraging-she was a 'second mother' to lots of my friends too everyone was always welcome in our house. Mum came from a disadvantaged background, but was very well read. By the time I started school, she'd introduced me to the joys of reading, and I had a very happy childhood: we would spend wonderful summers on the beach. She was insightful too. She nicknamed me Marj Proops because she noticed how people loved to ask me for advice! I think it's that part of me that has come to the fore recently. As a criminal barrister, I've seen people who haven't had the luck I've had, and it's made me reflect on what I can do to help them.