Honours student Nichola fights for social justice for all

That is an award fro someone who ives100 per cent to their studies.

But that is only part of Nichola's story because this 47-year-old Maryport woman gives more than 100 percent to everything she doe.

The award comes as a result of her BA (Hons) degree for working with children and families.

Nichola is married to Stuart McDougall, for whom a trip to Tanzania became life changing. He returned to his home in Maryport and immediately began a charity that would first look after overseas needs.

He soon discovered the needs in his own back yard, and the charity Owl Blue has now become a leader in the field of neuro diversity, with access to play therapists, psychotherapists and autism consultant Jeff Evans.

Nichola, mother to a six-year-old and 17-year-old, combines family life with working as a consultant to businesses of all sizes, advising them on neuro diversity in staff employment.

She is also about to embark on a masters degree in psychology, criminology and legality.

"I love learning - and with the families we deal with you can never learn enough."

Nichola added: "I will be returning to the University of Cumbria. That is my learning home and they have been so great."

The service Owl Blue offers to families comes free of charge but to keep the charity going there is a cost for businesses and organisations who want training.

Nichola said it is unlikely the charity - and its shop on Senhouse Street - would ever leave Maryport but it seems they would never need to because the country comes to them!

An example is how the charity is working with the NHS on AFRID , an eating disorder.

The couple have just come back from holiday - the first since they got married eight years ago.

"We try and make Sunday a family day for each other and the children but in this work you are available whenever needed."

That is the kind of dedication that has made Nichola and husband Stuart so valuable to the hundreds of people who need them.