A MUM-of-three from Chipping Sodbury who helps run a club for children with disabilities has been named a winner in the Halifax Giving Extra awards.

Sophie Axford is a trustee and activities co-ordinator of the Special Friends Club, which helps more than 150 families in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, which she first joined for support in her own time of trouble.

Sophie, whose eldest son Billie has autism and severe learning difficulties, told the Gazette: “The group was already set up but it was very small and was going to fall apart.

“I said I would help for a term and I am still doing it now. It just got bigger and bigger, it began with half a dozen families and now we have 160.

“I feel very passionately about the club, it was a lifeline to us and without it we would have been quite isolated.”

The 49-year-old, who lives in Woodman Close with husband Marcus and their other two sons Archie, 14, and Reuben, 9, also fosters 18-year-old Matthew Hale who also has learning difficulties.

As activities co-ordinator, Sophie organises outings for children who could not otherwise enjoy day trips, swimming sessions or go to the cinema.

“Having a child with a disability means it can be really hard to go to places which regular children take for granted,” she said.

“They can make different noises or have arms flailing and it can draw attention which can sometimes be quite negative. That is why I book sole use sessions for the club so everyone can relax, including the children.

“We do things they would not normally be able to access like the cinema, trampolining and swimming.

“As well as the activities, it is about the support network for the whole family. If someone is having a bad day or a difficulty we can all relate to that because we have been through it.”

Dubbed the ‘face’ of the club, Sophie, a carer in a elderly people’s home, personally greets every member on every outing. In her nomination for the award, friend Sarah Townsend said: “She is a lifeline to many, so is a very, very important part of our local community.

“Sophie always puts other people's needs before her own and manages to touch the lives of many people. Sophie is a truly special person, and deserves recognition.”

Russell Galley, group director for Halifax Community Bank, said: “Halifax is committed to bringing communities closer together.  

"We believe we should give extra back to people like Sophie who are pivotal to driving positive and lasting change. We’re proud that Sophie is one of our Halifax Giving Extra Award winners.”

Sophie has been named a South West and Wales regional winner in the Halifax awards and has been put forward for the national title. When presented with her £300 prize money at the club’s half-term outing to Flip Out trampoline centre in Longwell Green, Sophie humbly donated the funds to buy sensory toys for members with particularly profound disabilities.

“To me it is about the kids and the families,” she said. “They all have their difficulties and challenges and I am no more worthy.

“I am just really embarrassed by the award but hope it raises awareness of the club.”