Pride of Guernsey: 'The most understated woman'
A RETIRED language and communication service worker has gone above and beyond in helping young people and deserves to be named Carer of the Year, a law student has said.
Ros Smart worked for the service for 10 years, helping to support young people with autism and Asperger's. Among them was Joe Broughton, who has Asperger's and with whom she started working when he was at secondary school. Mr Broughton nominated Mrs Smart for the Specsavers-sponsored award.
While her remit was due to finish when he hit 16, Mrs Smart kept supporting him and was always there to listen to his problems.
Mr Broughton described her as an immensely supportive figure in his life.
'She is the most understated woman, who never seeks recognition or plaudits for what she does but undoubtedly deserves that recognition,' he said.
'Without her support, guidance and generosity of spirit, I would never have achieved what I have.'
Mr Broughton said he had struggled with the demands of academic and personal life, but Mrs Smart had given up her weekends to help him study for his A-levels. That support helped him to gain a BA in theology and religion from the University of Winchester and he is now studying law at the University of Southampton.
'Her indomitable support of me and belief in me were the driving force behind my academic success,' he said.
