A FORMER soldier who set up a charity for children of people in the armed forces is in the running to be Mum of the Year.

Louise Fetigan, from Bovington, founded My Daddy is a Soldier Adventures in 2011.

Louise has been shortlisted for the 10th annual Tesco Mum of the Year Awards - with each shortlisted mum being awarded a £1,000 donation to their chosen charity by the supermarket giant.

“This amount will make such an impact to Little Troopers” said Louise.

“Every penny will go directly to our Little Troopers Treasures initiative, which keeps soldiers and their children bonded when they are separated, and hugely impacts the wellbeing of both the soldier and child. We are very grateful for this donation.”

The idea for the charity came to Louise when she was trying to find support for her daughter to distract her from her dad serving in the armed forces.

After being unable to find any help, Louise organised a successful fundraising event, My Daddy is a Soldier Trek - which launched the charity.

The journey up Mount Snowdon allowed three children to gain a sense of community and belonging from the experience, distracting them in a positive way from the fact their fathers were in Afghanistan.

Louise helps children cope with the anxiety of having a parent away from the family home by organising treks, weekends away, and summer camps and by supplying vital resources.

The charity has raised more than £100,000, for its work so far.

Debbie Chernin, Tesco Mum of the Year manager said: “Each year we find remarkable mums and discover more amazing achievements and successes.

“We have read many incredible stories and it's a privilege to celebrate such inspirational women. Everyone shortlisted has achieved something outstanding and shown selfless devotion to others.

“Our aim is to show every single mum just how wonderful she is.”

The winner of the 2015 Tesco Mum of the Year will be announced early next year.