Supermum Sonia Chant (right), with her daughter Shellie. DA5054P2BRAVE mum-of-six Sonia Chant has battled against the odds, dealing with everything life has thrown at her.

Her sheer courage and determination have earned her the title Supermum of the Month for February and this week she was presented with her prize.

Sonia, grandmother to eight grandchildren, tragically became a widow at 42 after her husband Stuart died of a sudden heart attack, leaving her to raise a large family on her own.

The couple first met when Stuart was working on a farm where Sonia kept horses and they married several years later at Salisbury register office.

After Stuart's death, the family home was repossessed and Sonia and the children went into bed and breakfast accommodation temporarily, before being rehoused across Salisbury, spending time in Wilton, Alderbury and Bemerton Heath, before they eventually returned to Winding Way, where Sonia grew up.

She said: "When Stuart died, I couldn't even write out a cheque. I've got six brilliant children and if it wasn't for them, I couldn't have carried on.

"I looked after the children, trying to be a mum and a dad to them."

In order to keep the family together, Sonia took a series of part-time jobs, waitressing in restaurants around the city. She is the first to admit that things have not always been easy.

Proud daughter Shellie, 24, who nominated her mum, said: "She must be the best friend in the world for bringing up six kids on her own after my father passed away.

"She's managed so well and has been there for all of us when we have needed her.

"She deserves everything, as it has been such a shock for her.

"We love her so much and I want everyone to know how great she is - she's one on a million."

Speaking about her win, Sonia said she could not believe that she had been nominated.

"You feel as if you're just living and doing everyday things and you don't think you're doing anything different, just being a mum," she said.

If you think your mum deserves the title of March Supermum, then write to Southern Electric/Salisbury Journal Supermum Competition, 8-12 Rollestone Street, Salisbury SP1 1DY.