When Emma Turnball was diagnosed with an immune system disease, looking after her two sons became a struggle.

The combination of bouts of fatigue caused by her illness, Lupus, frequent visits to hospital and her separation from her children’s father led Emma to look to a childminder for help.

Since last May Emma’s two-year-old son Ben has been cared for by Mary Morrison, a childminder with 18 years’ experience.

Emma says by looking after Ben, Mary has taken a weight off her shoulders, allowing her to get to hospital appointments and improve the time she spends with both him and his six-year-old brother Brandon.

Emma, who lives in Shirley, said: “I became ill just after I was separating from my husband. But it was after I collapsed that I contacted social services and they suggested getting a childminder.” She added: “Since Mary’s been looking after Ben my life is much better. I’m able to make it to my hospital appointments and I’m not as tired meaning the time I spend with Ben is better.” Emma praised Mary for her professionalism and said she knew Ben was well looked after because he also came home tired.

“I know she doesn’t just plonk Ben down in front of the television,” Emma said.

Mary, who has three children herself, became a childminder after leaving the civil service.

She started by looking after children as a favour for friends and family and enjoyed it so much she knew she wanted to make a career out of it.

Mary believes there are benefits of childminding for the children too as many of the youngsters she looks after are only children.

She said: “Many of the children I care for are singletons. So they get the opportunity to play with others which I think is good for them.” l Do you know a Childcare Star? Use the form on this page to nominate someone who makes a difference to children’s lives.