An executive assistant at Relate Mid Wiltshire has been named a national Relate Hero, after being nominated by her colleagues.

Helen Gale, 35, of Trowbridge, has worked at the town’s centre for the family counselling charity for five years. She was one of 13 recipients of the national award that marked the 75th anniversary of Relate.

She was honoured for her commitment and amount of effort she has put into fundraising and was recognised for all the extra volunteer hours she puts in.

The mum-of-two said: “I was really honoured to be nominated by my local Relate centre as a Relate Hero. I didn’t know I had been nominated until I picked up an email.

“I have thrown myself into every task we do to support people and really enjoy what I do. Although I have two young children, I am very proud of the extra time I put into the charity.

“The work we do here to support relationships in our community makes a real difference and is very important to me.

“I am as good as I am because I have a great team. Everyone mucks in as it is a small charity.”

Mrs Gale, who collected her certificate at Relate’s 75th anniversary tea party in London last week, has competed in the Bath half marathon and took part in a sponsored 40-mile walk along the Kennet & Avon Canal from Hungerford to Avoncliff. Her personal involvement in fundraising activities and applications has been instrumental in raising more than £30,000 for the charity in the past four years.

Amanda Foyster, chief executive of Relate Mid Wiltshire, said: “We are very proud that Helen has been recognised as a Relate Hero. She has worked tirelessly to help people build healthy relationships and it is great that she has been rewarded.”