AN INSPIRATIONAL Vale mum has been declared 'the best' in a national magazine's 2020 awards.

Breast cancer survivor Soraya Kelly's triumph over adversity tale which led to the launch of a global charity, has scooped Hello magazine’s Star Mum Award 2020.

She beaten hundreds of worthy women to take the honour which honours mothers who, while raising their family, still find the time to help others in need.

Her victory was down to a public vote.

The Star Mum Award focuses on women who may have overcome remarkable personal challenges.

Judges also look for entries that espouse compassion, empathy and strength, wisdom and kindness.

The mum-of-four, originally from Barry, but now of Rhoose, is known for her “vision and fighting attitude.”

Ms Kelly, 51, works tirelessly to divert young people in Wales away from drugs and violence, and support their mental health using sport, education and paid work or training.

Diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer three years ago, her campaign The Gloves Are On initially just promoted early detection, but her brave journey caught the public’s imagination.

This led to a number of new opportunities as she took the high profile initiative all around the country – with a particular focus on schools, youth centres, and young peoples’ sports facilities.

#TheGlovesAreOn (#TGAO) is dedicated to providing a range of opportunities, education and support to children, young adults and their families on difficult and sensitive issues, gained official charity status in October 2019 – nearly two years to the day after she was diagnosed with the potentially devastating disease.

Their health and wellbeing packages include support and advice on a range of issues that affect youth.

This includes, bullying and mental health issues, relationships and sexuality, gang culture and knife crime, bereavement and loss, exam and peer pressure, personal development and self-confidence

#TheGlovesAreOn work with schools, organisations, businesses, and third sector organisations to deliver this support.

Their core team, who act as role models, are supported by a number of credible and respected ambassadors.

Ms Kelly said: “Since, the start of The Gloves Are On, we have had much success in helping our young people.

"We have made improvements in areas such as well-being, raised awareness on many social issues, and have broken down barriers with increased positivity on an individual and group youth basis.

"Winning the Star Mum Award is a personal triumph, but, more importantly, it would give me, and my hard-working team, the perfect platform and profile to deliver the much-needed work that needs to be done – especially in this current unpredictable and anxious time.”

This year’s ceremony, the third Star Women awards, saw her crowned Hello magazine Star Mum 2020 at a digital event hosted by broadcaster Kate Silverton.

Her supporters gathered to watch the announcement at 5pm on Thursday, December 17 at a special socially-distanced soirée at Barry’s Mount Rooms.