A selfless mum has channeled her own pain as the inspiration for a one-woman crusade to help others.
Gemma Evans has endured a turbulent two years with the loss of her stepmother and nan, plus her mum's cancer diagnosis.
The 34-year-old's son Ashton has previously spent time in a coma following a life-threatening asthma attack, and daughter Kristen was hospitalised by appendicitis just six months later.
But rather than dwelling on her grief and emotional trauma, Gemma has dedicated herself to improving the lives of those in need.
The mum-of-two, from Stanley, County Durham, has raised thousands for a variety of charities, organised collections for foodbanks and children in hospital, as well as volunteering to help the homeless.
Now, husband Shaun has nominated his wife for a 'Community Champion' award in our Chronicle Champion Awards.
Gemma said: "It was a bit of a surprise for me. I was just a bit overwhelmed because I don't think what I do is out of this world.
"It's a hobby for me and I enjoy what I do."
Gemma has always enjoyed supporting with charities, but has ramped up her involvement in the last 14 months.
Stepmother Julie Brannigan died in a Marie Curie Hospice, and nan Margaret Mason was buried on what would have been her 73rd birthday shortly after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Mum Tracey Willis was diagnosed with breast cancer, while Gemma's aunt Debra Taylor was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Both are currently in remission.
Nine-year-old Ashton required intensive care following a serious asthma attack, and 12-year-old Kristen was taken for emergency surgery after her appendicitis was diagnosed late.
For Gemma, the series of events in such a short space of time has helped focus her priorities on what is important in her life.
She said: "Everything all kind of happened at once. I nearly lost both of my children in the space of six months.
"Things have happened in my life that have drawn me to do these things. It's made me want to do a lot more.
"It give me that drive, and the charities I work with are all cancer related or for children's hospitals."
Gemma has contributed to a number of charitable causes in between juggling the demands of her job as a receptionist for Gleeson Home and raising two children.
The mum-of-two volunteers every Tuesday with North East Homeless handing out food and valuable supplies to those in need in Sunderland.
Gemma uses her own social media accounts to organise collections, and delivers them to those in need at foodbanks, women's refuges and children's hospital wards.
The 34-year-old has also paid visits to nursing homes in the region to speak with residents living with dementia.
Gemma has organised a number of events on behalf of a range of charities such a sponsored walks for Asthma UK.
In the last year alone, Gemma has helped raise £3,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities, £4,500 for Marie Curie and almost £1,000 for Asthma UK.
In between all of these endeavours, Gemma still finds the time to compete across the UK and internationally in charity beauty pageants with her daughter.
Gemma finished: "I might need somebody like me in future, and I would hate to think if I was in that position that no-one would help me.
"If I can help just one person, it would make me feel a lot better. If I can put a smile on someone's face, it puts one on mine."
Husband Shaun, 49, added: "Gemma is a remarkable woman who spends every single bit of her free time within her community.
"She's a credit to herself."
