Dana Dowinton

Mrs Dowinton has been a childminder for the last 12 years and a mother for the past four with her older son, Jasper, and one-year-old daughter, Tahlia. 
Despite Jasper having severe haemophilia and having to inject him once a week, Mrs Dowinton continues to take everything in her stride as a single parent.
‘The best thing is just having them around, looking after them and playing,’ said Mrs Dowinton. 
Mrs Dowinton started as a nanny when she was 18 years old. 
‘She does an amazing job and still works looking after children alongside her own,’ said her nominator and mother, Angela Walden, who praised Mrs Dowinton for her devotion to her children. 
‘She just deals with it all and she's just amazing. She copes with it and stays calm, taking it all in her stride,’ added Mrs Walden. 
Mrs Dowinton said that having children brings more fun into her life despite making it busier, always keeping her on her toes. 
Every day they all go outside and do a range of activities including cooking and arts and crafts. 
‘I think she deserves recognition for what she’s done,’ said Mrs Walden.