A KNUTSFORD mum has been shortlisted for a national award for her ‘courage and resolve’ through times of heartbreak.

Jennifer Richmond, a 34-year-old financial controller, has been praised as an ‘absolute rock’ and has been shortlisted for baby charity ‘Tommy’s’ national courage award, which is sponsored by ASDA.

Jenni was nominated by her husband Adam, 35, following the loss of their unborn child.

Adam said: “Jenni has exemplified what courage is, strength. Strong for me, for our son, for her friends, for anyone that needs it, despite having to carry and manage a great deal of pain. I’m so lucky to have her in my life and so are her friends and family.”

The year, which has been dubbed the ‘hardest year’ of the family’s life, started out well for the Richmond’s. They had moved house and were trying for another baby.

Following the sudden death of Adam’s mother and during what the family has described as a ‘horrendously difficult’ time the family, Jenni stood as ‘the rock’ despite her close relationship with her mother-in-law.

Not long after, Adam was hospitalised for a week leaving Jenni to take care of their two-year-old son, while working full time and visiting her husband in hospital.

Adam said: “Jenni’s humour and sense of fun helped me personally even though I could tell she was really suffering herself. She kept a brave face through it all and made sure our son wasn’t affected.”

Soon after the couple found out Jenni was pregnant. Despite morning sickness, Jenni remained resilient and cared for their young family helping Adam in and out of hospital for various appointments and an operation, whilst still dealing with the fallout from the emotional loss of Adam’s mum.

Then at their 12-week scan, Jenni and Adam were told that she would miscarry.

This was the ‘worst possible news’ and came incredibly hard to Jenni, but Adam said ‘she managed it with her determination not to let this knock her down and she was absolutely sure it wouldn’t affect her family’.

Jenni also used her experience to help others including her close friend was also pregnant through IVF after many attempts and who also lost her baby.

He added: ““Jenni was an amazing friend to her and helped them through her experience by being open and honest about miscarriage, being prepared to discuss it, not being ashamed about it and most importantly, she was there to listen and to be a shoulder for her.”

Tommy’s courage award will be announced in March 24 in London.