Sharon Richardson, the ex-wife of a Penhill man stabbed to death earlier this year, has been nominated for a national award marking her dedication.

Mrs Richardson, 46, of Helmsdale Walk, Park South, will travel to London tonight to see if she has won the title Employee Of The Year at the contract catering company Aramark.

She works in the Aramark shop, at Nationwide's headquarters in Pipers Way, Swindon, and always has a smile for her customers, despite the death of her former husband of 16 years, Sonny Richardson.

Mrs Richardson said: "I try to look on the bright side and really enjoy my work. But it has been a very traumatic year. I am so grateful to my family, friends and colleagues who have all been so supportive."

She fended off competition from 12,000 employees to be crowned star employee of the southern region last month.

Now Mrs Richardson is among the ten finalists from across the country gathering at the Millennium Mayfair Hotel in Grosvenor Square.

She said: "I am really looking forward to it but also a bit nervous. It was a complete surprise to be nominated."

Mr Richardson, 49, a father-of-three and grandfather-of-five, was stabbed to death in his flat in Kemerton Walk, Park South, on August 11.

Mrs Richardson has helped their three daughters, Della, 27, Carrie, 25, and Jemma, 16, deal with the loss.

She said: "It has been very hard for us. We are all still devastated but determined to make the most of life because Sonny would have wanted that."

Just weeks after the killing, Mrs Richardson lost two other loved ones. Her close friend, Jackie Cormack, 37, from Park South, died suddenly from an epileptic fit in October. In the same month Sonny's brother, Colin, 32, died of a blood clot.

Mrs Richardson said: "I have tried to put on a brave face and carry on. The love and understanding from those around me has lifted my spirits so much and I just want to say the biggest thank you."

Haydn Keable, 29, general manager of Aramark at Nationwide, said: "Sharon is an outstanding employee, who would have been nominated for this award regardless of the distressing circumstances. She is always happy to help and such a delightful colleague to work with."

Paul Jones, 39, of Ainsworth Road, has appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with the murder of Sonny Richardson. He was remanded in custody until the next hearing on December 12.