THROUGHOUT her life Sharon Sutton has faced obstacles that most people would struggle to cope with.

But rather than let difficulties get her down she has used them to strengthen her commitment to helping others.

Since being diagnosed with diabetes 22 years ago, the 43-year-old, of Beaconsfield Drive, Blurton, has worked tirelessly to educate people about the illness and support those who are living with it.

Parents Geoff and Sandra Parson, of Garsdale Crescent, Blurton, are so proud of their daughter that they have nominated her for a Sentinel Our Heroes award in the Volunteer of the Year category.

Dad Geoff, aged 66, said: "With all the trouble she's been through she's always kept everyone going and is on the phone 24-7 offering support.

"I can't tell you how dedicated she is to others, she's a star."

Sharon was first diagnosed with diabetes after the birth of her daughter Natasha, now aged 22, in March 1987.

Sharon said: "I'd just had my daughter and I felt tired and thirsty all the time so I went to the doctors.

"After I was diagnosed I spent two weeks in hospital and was taught how to eat properly and inject insulin."

After being discharged from hospital Sharon realised there was very little support for people in her situation.

She soon discovered Diabetes UK North Staffs and has worked with them since, becoming even more involved when her second child Aarron, who is now aged 18, was diagnosed with type one diabetes at eight-years-old.

Sharon's diabetes has meant that she suffers an eye inflammation that leaves her temporarily blind but even this fails to stop her from supporting others.

Sharon said: "When I go blind I have to stay inside, it's not good but at least I can still use the phone and help people."

The temporary blindness means that Sharon has had to sacrifice her driving licence and her prized VW Golf but she still manages to do a lot.

Mum Sandra, aged 64, said: "She's always been involved with diabetes and for the past 12 years she's campaigned for better treatment and has been to Parliament to speak to MPs.

"If parents are having problems with children she helps with that, she's very active and gives talks all over the place to anyone who wants to know more about diabetes."

Sandra currently works as an expert patient tutor who leads a 12-week programme for anyone with a long-term health condition.

She said: "I help people to live longer, better lives both physically and mentally – it's a really positive course."

The mother-of-two is also a service user representative who helps the NHS to make the decisions that patients want.

She says: "I'm consulted on any changes they're planning.

"Instead of them making decisions for us, we can make decisions for ourselves."

Sharon is currently studying for a degree in health and social care from Birmingham University where she recently gave a talk on living with diabetes.