When we set out on our quest to find out more about the UK’s Soup-ermums we weren’t quite expecting to hear about so many wonderful mothers and the incredible difference they’ve made to so many different lives. Over 500 submissions later we’ve truly been touched by the stories and pictures you have shared with us and other Campbell’s fans.

It was no easy task but, after much deliberation, we have picked our top 10 Souper-mums. 10 – 2 on our list will be receiving a case of Campbell’s Soup as a thank you for being so special while number 1 will be enjoying a luxurious Champneys spa break and the title of Campbell’s Soup-ermum.

Check out the pictures and stories below.

10

Name of Soup-ermum: Julie

Name of Nominator: Jade

“My mum is Souper-mum because – she’s a fabulous mother to all 4 of us. Unfortunately my brother J J is disabled, she’s given up her life to care for J J. She had to give up her job as the school keeps calling her to come and calm J J down and help him eat lunch. My mum never complains and it’s just her as dad left, she always make sure we’re all loved and fed and clothed (she gets up at 5.30am to get the bootfair bargains for us). She always cooks healthy meals from scratch, my mum does not have a life and always puts us first, she shares her room with my little sister and never complains. My mum always makes sure we have a traditional Easter, egg hunts, baking cakes, and long walks. My mother has given up her life and is always exhausted, I’d love to treat her and most of all my mum grew up in children’s homes and makes sure we all have a better childhood than she did . I love my mum.”

9

Name of Soup-ermum: Fran

Name of Nominator: Daisy

“My mum is Soup-er because my mum is a mum to many! She works as a foster carer as well as being my mum and my three siblings mum. She says being loving. consistent and kind is what being a mum is all about … we think she’s just amazing to be able to give mum love to any child for as long as they need. She never says she’s tired bit we think that a night away with her friend would be a welcome rest she would never allow herself usually.”

8

Name of Soup-ermum: Barbara

Name of Nominator: Stacey

“I nominate my nan she’s been told she has bone cancer a few years ago. From whenever I can remember every time we went for tea it would be tomato soup and every time I eat it I get reminded of her. She’s a wonderful mum, grandma and great grandma and I would love for her to win. I know she’s in a lot of pain and soup is a wonderful easy thing to make and I know she would make the grand prize but the runner up prize would cheer her up.”

7

Name of Soup-ermum: Dawn

Name of Nominator: Natalie

“My mum is 73, she has had 2 major heart surgeries and was diagnosed with osteoporosis last year. Despite this she has almost single handedly looked after my dad since he lost all mobility 3 years ago. She is an unbelievably strong woman, especially in the face of losing my dad and her husband of 52 years on 5th March. After all she has done I think she deserves an opportunity to be seriously spoilt. Thank you for taking the time to read this entry.”

6

Name of Soup-ermum: Julie

Name of Nominator: Daisy

“I served in the British army for 8 years joining at 16 years old. Although my mum was anxious about me leaving home so young, she continued to stand by me. When I was tempted to leave, she would reassure me why I am doing this. During a 6 month tour of Afghanistan she worried endlessly however she would always sound upbeat on our weekly telephone calls. My mum really is a bit of a legend and she deserves this, probably just as much as other Mums who do incredible things. However I hope you pick mine”

5

Name of Soup-ermum: Sue

Name of Nominator: Rebecca

“My mum is soup-er because she keeps as all entertained and laughing with her super duper plate spinning skills.”

4

Name of Soup-ermum: Judy

Name of Nominator: Rebecca

“My wonderful mum used to get up at 5AM three days a week (including Sundays) to take me to ice skating training. Because of her, I got to represent my country doing something I loved. That’s a total Soup-ermum in my opinion!”

3

Name of Soup-ermum: Jean

Name of Nominator: Jess

“My nan is a soup-er’mum’ because she has done absolutely everything for me. She took me and my 2 brothers into her home years ago when my parents couldn’t and has looked after us ever since despite being in her late 70s! If it weren’t for her I am not sure where I would be today. She’s the funniest person I know and she’s definitely who I want to be when I (finally) grow up! She’s my best friend and she so deserves a break from my brothers”

2

Name of Soup-ermum: Zita

Name of Nominator: Lola

“I would like to nominate my mum she is a mum in a million. I am an only child and so is she. Over the past 18 months my Nan has been very ill and she has been putting my Nan before herself. Getting little or no sleep at night because the hospital, or rehab are calling her. Mums just getting up out of bed and going, she’s really not bothered what she looks like. My Nan was 91 and I would have loved her to be at my wedding 15/12/16 but she passed away 20/10/2016.

My mum was always doing things for my Nan whether it was paperwork, visiting at hospital, arranging appointments. My mum was living at the hospital and she has not bothered about herself at all. She no longer has much of a social life as she no longer has time to meet up with her friends.”

1

Name of Soup-ermum: Kate

Name of Nominator: Nina

“My mum is a Soup-ermum because she is no ordinary Mother. In fact, she is extraordinary. Her name is Kate and she is soup-er human. My mum provided round the clock care for my disabled sister, Heidi, who was born with severe cerebral palsy. Sadly, my sister recently passed away. She was blind and unable to talk, sit up or walk. Heidi suffered from respiratory problems linked to her disability and she was susceptible to acute chest infections which were life threatening. My mum relentlessly kept vigils at her bedside.

My mother has soup-er powers; she somehow managed to balance her job as a community physiotherapist with being a phenomenal Mum and carer. She formed the ‘Parents’ Action Committee’ (P.A.C.) and successfully petitioned for a desperately needed respite home for those aged under 21 who are severely disabled. I attended the Hillingdon Council meeting where I proudly watched my mum passionately address the councillors and unite all the political parties in a common goal. The much needed care centre, Howlett’s Lane in Ruislip, was soon born and my mother was fundamental in its establishment. My mother also worked tirelessly as a governor of Grangewood School for children with profound learning difficulties.

She has been involved in fundraising for charities such as Mencap / Scope. My mum is also a dynamic part of the Disability Partnership Board for carers. She campaigned for the rights of often ignored and invisible carers and those they are caring for. My mother is so soup-er. She nursed my father back to health after two heart attacks. I could write endlessly about the virtues of my mum and even include an incident when I started to drown as a child and she jumped in fully clothed to rescue me. She has continued to rescue me in other ways on many occasions. My family are truly blessed to have her in our lives. She is loved and admired by those all around. My mum is my best friend and biggest supporter.

She is my inspiration and she never ceases to delight and amaze me. Despite personal ill health, my mum works tirelessly for those around her and she has contributed enormously to the community. My mother is Campbell’s Soup-ermum!”

We couldn’t agree more Nina, that’s why she’s our number 1!

Thank you to everyone who shared their story with us and, most importantly of all, thank you to all the Soup-ermums out there. We wish you all a brilliant Mother’s Day!