Kafayat Timson could fit into any number of Croydon Champion categories, according to her friend Hannah McLaverty-Williamson.

But Parent of the Year seems more than appropriate.

Ms Timson - known as Toks - is a single mum of three from Thornton Heath, and by all accounts has the busiest schedule in the borough.

She works for Croydon Council, is involved with numerous charities, and still finds the time to lead a packed social life. 

But nearly all the annual leave from her job at Croydon Council is used to care for her daughter, Sapphire, 15, who suffers from the severest form of sickle cell disorder and requires regular blood transplants.

Do you know a Croydon Champion? Click here to see the categories for our 2015 awards and submit a nomination form.

Despite her apparent indefatigability, Ms Timson, 47, herself suffers from both cauda equina syndrome and cervical stenosis, two nerve conditions that can make walking incredibly painful.

She is also afflicted, it seems, by modesty.  

After being told of her nomination, she said: "I'm shocked. As a parent, you just do what you have to do."

Miss McLaverty-Williamson described Ms Timson as an "incredible, selfless parent" who "never complains, still goes to work every day for Croydon Council and always finds time to support her children".

She can often be found driving middle child Henry, 22, to Brazilian jiu jitsu competitions across the country, on his downtime from working as a chef or studying accounting.

Ms Timson's oldest son Ade, 31, works in recruitment, and is expecting his second child with his partner.

She added: "I always try to look at the bright side. Sometimes you have just got to take the cards you have been dealt and just get on with it.

"It's an example to my kids that regardless of what you have got, you must aim high."