Tracy Goodwin was told that there was "no hope" for her partner Wayne Howard after he suffered severe brain damage and lost a leg in a terrible motorbike accident.

But she never gave up on Wayne and remained determined that he would fulfil his recovery potential.

Now seven years later the 38-year-old is living at the family home in Porlock Road, Millbrook, Southampton, and has defied the odds with his progress.

His mother Isobel has nominated Tracy, 41, for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award backed by Southampton Lions Club, a group of volunteers who raise money to support local causes.

She said: "Since bringing Wayne home, Tracy has had to fight for the very few benefits the family are entitled to. She has had to fight for the limited therapy Wayne receives, fight for the right to get the carers of her choice, fight for everything in fact."

Apart from night-time carers, Tracy does most things for Wayne, including showering, dressing and feeding him, and helps him with different tasks.

Physiotherapy She has also purchased physiotherapy equipment so that he can continue to exercise at home on top of the two physiotherapy sessions he is entitled to every week.

Isobel, who founded The Wayne Howard Trust, a charity to help people with brain injuries, said: "Raising three boys is a hard enough task and Tracy has managed to do this single-handedly and since Wayne's accident she has devoted what's left of her life to Wayne.

"Thanks to her, and her unstinting love and devotion, my son now lives in a happy, loving home, where he is loved, cared for, and is travelling along the long, slow road to recovery."

Tracy said that all she wants is for Wayne to live a normal family life.

"It can be emotionally, physically and mentally difficult but you have got to have the will to do it.

"The boys keep me going and Wayne, of course. I know Wayne's character and anything he can do, he will do."