A supermum who climbed mountains, walked across burning hot coals and had her head shaved for her children has been named Witham’s inspirational role model.

Jodie Barden, 31, supported by devoted husband Luke, 32, cares for daughters Ella, 11, and Chloe, four, who have Cockayne Syndrome, a rare disease which affects just one baby in every two million.

Children with the syndrome have an average life expectancy of up to 12 years.

Mrs Barden was surprised with the Inspirational Role Model award at Witham Neighbourhood Watch’s inaugural community awards.

“I do not think I am an inspiration, I am doing what any parent would do in the same situation,” Mrs Barden said modestly.

“It was very overwhelming to receive the award and I could not take it in.

“Believe it or not I am not great being the centre of attention, but it was so nice to read what the nominations said after the event and it was nice to know what people think of me.”

Since oldest Ella was diagnosed with Cockayne Syndrome in 2013, Mrs Barden has become a champion for Amy and Friends - a charity which provides support for those living with the condition.

The family have raised thousands of pounds to help others in the same situation as them - and Jodie has become an incredibly active fundraiser - climbing Mount Snowdon with Ella in tow, running the Maldon Mud race and walking across hot coals with the Witham community cheering her on.

Despite looking after the two girls, and brother Alex, seven, around a year ago Mrs Barden somehow found time to start not one, but two businesses.

And both are going from strength to strength.

Ella Bella’s Events, named in honour of her oldest child, plan weddings and other events, and Chloe Invites You provides bespoke invitations to those events.

“Now that the children are at school I have a bit more time. I work on the stationary when the kids are in bed,” she said.

“On the back of the business I became a member of the chamber which has been great.

“It is nice being part of something in Witham, I love it.

“I know people now from the town who I never would have known before.

“I love being part of Witham and knowing the fantastic people who live here.

“I do not think you hear enough about the good things that go on, it is nice to be part of promoting that.”

Both girls attend Southview School, and the family are a big supporter of the facility, which cares for children with additional needs.

Mrs Barden and her many friends in the chamber have chosen to champion Southview, raising funds for several projects at the school.

“The school and the community have been so supportive of us,” she added.

“We walk down the street and people will be saying hello, especially to the girls. It is amazing, particularly for them.

“The little acts of kindness show how supportive everyone in Witham is.”

Despite their condition, Mrs Barden says the girls are doing very well.

She may be very busy, but she is not planning to slow down yet.

She said: “I have always liked to be organised and I like to be busy as well.

“I just take things a day at a time.”

Tina Townsend said: "Jodie is the most deserving person I know for the inspirational role model of the year.

"We all have times when we think we have it tough, but this lady lives day to day with challenges we can only imagine.

"As a Mum to three, soon to be four she has her hands full, but to add to that the fact that her two beautiful daughters have a life limiting Cockayne Syndrome you start to understand how difficult life can be.

"But Jodie doesn’t let that all get her down, far from it.

"This lady is truly inspirational and we at the Chamber congratulate her on this well deserved award."

The full list of Witham Chamber Safety and Community Award winners is:

  • Sandra Howell received an award for her volunteer work in Witham​
  • Alisha Hinkson was recognised for collecting Easter eggs, advent calendars and food for the less fortunate
  • Jo Ikel was rewarded for her work cleaning up a Witham play park
  • Caroline Walker, Tina Townsend and Nadine Rudd of Witham Neighbourhood Watch were nominated by more than 80 people
  • Karey Andreou, who handed in a wallet he found containing a large amount of cash
  • Witham Wombles received an award for the work they do cleaning up the town
  • Karen Dillane picked up an award for her work with Witham Luncheon Club
  • Jodie Barden won the inspirational role model award
  • Witham resident Claire Rutter received an award for her work with Neighbourhood Watch Witham, collected on the night by son Luke
  • The White Hart pub received an award for its work supporting the community