A GRAN who worked for social services for more than 30 years has been nominated for a courage award.

Karen Plevey, 63, of Church Walk, Ulverston, worked for social services for Cumbria County Council for 33 years.

In spite of often overwhelming personal tragedy, Mrs Plevey has never faltered in her service to the community.

Her 43-year-old son, Michael, died of a heart attack in January after exercising in a gym.

Mrs Plevey has also had to help care for her granddaughter, Katy Galbraith, who has suffered from recurrent brain tumours since she was a little girl.

All the while, she has worked tirelessly in the community to improve the lives of others.

It is for this dedication Mrs Plevey has been nominated for the courage award at the 2016 Heart of Ulverston Awards.

Read more about the great community work being done in Ulverston

Speaking about her nomination, Mrs Plevey said: "I'm just speechless. I don't have the words. I've just done what anyone else would do in my situation."

Since she began working in mental health during the 1980s, Mrs Plevey has seen first hand how perceptions about mental health have changed.

"In the 80s, mental illness was hidden away," Mrs Plevey said.

This is compared to the greater understanding and compassion that mental illness receives today.

Working on the front lines of social services, and helping people with mental illness was one of the highlights of her job.

"In a very small way you can build a relationship with people who have a disability," Mrs Plevey explained.

"The job takes hold of you and you feel that you really can make a difference."

Mrs Plevey has made a difference in her own family. Her granddaughter Katy, who suffers from brain tumours recently celebrated her twenty first birthday.

She helps provide the 24-hour care that she needs due to the intensive radio and chemotherapy needed to treat the illness.

Mrs Plevey retired last year from social work after 33 years, "It was just time to retire," she said.

Throughout all of the challenges Mrs Plevey has faced, her husband of 44 years, Keith, has been with her all the way.

Keith has been nominated alongside his wife for the courage award for the unwavering support he has shown to his family.

"He's been a rock to me," Mrs Plevey said.

Nominations for the Heart of Ulverston Awards are still open.

Anyone who works or lives in Ulverston or the surrounding villages can be nominated.

Click here to complete the nomination form, it only takes a few minutes!