A WOMAN who quit her job to care for her husband with motor neurone disease has been nominated for an award after helping research ways to help others with the disease "live and die with dignity".

Sandra Smith, of Sutton Leach, quit her job as a European business manager eight years ago after her husband John McKerral Smith was diagnosed with the disease and temporal lobe dementia.

He deteriorated rapidly and just 19 months after diagnosis was unable to talk, use his hands, or eat and suffered from the effects of dementia – leading to his death at 58.

Despite her loss, Sandra decided to use her knowledge from caring for her husband to help others and has since been involved in a number of research projects from a carer's prospective into motor neurone disease and neuro-degeneration.

St Helens Star:

Sandra with John before his MND diagnosis

Now eight years after losing John, she is nominated for a North West Coast Research and Innovation Award in the category of Outstanding Contribution to Patient and Public Involvement in Research.

The 57-year-old said: "I was really surprised at the nomination because I don't do this for praise, I wanted others to have more support than we did.

"It is hard to describe how proud I am of this because I don't do it for myself but I think John would be proud of me and would probably say something like he isn't surprised, because I've always tried to help others and put others first.

"I am thrilled though at the recognition, it is lovely."

The North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards will take place at Liverpool's Hilton hotel on Thursday, March 7.

For more visit nwcawards.co.uk.