A MUM who founded a charity in memory of her daughter has been shortlisted for an Inspirational Woman of the Year award.

Carren Bell who established Lagan’s Foundation to help “heart families” is up for an EVA — Enterprise Vision Award — which recognises the achievements of women.

Bolton-based Lagan’s Foundation was set up in the name of Lagan Katherine Anne Grant, who was born with severe heart defects and lost her fight in April 2011 when she was only 15 weeks old.

Today the charity provides much needed help and support to families across England and Scotland whose children were born with congenital heat defect (CHD) and also those who suffer from feeding difficulties, through a bank of trained volunteers.

Lagan’s Foundation is the UK’s only charity dedicated to providing help to those parents in their own homes.

Miss Bell, who lives in Horwich with her family, said: “I was taken aback but it was a very nice surprise to be thought of as inspirational because I am only doing what I need to do.

“Being shortlisted will raise the profile of the charity particularly in Bolton, where I know families need help, and in the corporate world for sponsorship.

“It will open up avenues for gaining recognition for the charity.”

The charity now has 39 families from across the country desperately waiting for volunteer support. And families are being referred to the charity by professional organisations.

Training for volunteers takes place at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool and says Miss Bell, aged 34, a consultant in Southampton has also expressed an interest in the charity’s work.

Members of the public are being invited to vote for who they think should win the award online.

A ceremony will take place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens at the end of next month.

You can vote for Miss Bell here.