A MOTHER has been posthumously nominated for a York & District Medal for helping flood victims - despite being seriously ill with a heart condition.

Amy Miller, who died earlier this month after complications during a heart transplant operation, has been jointly nominated with her twin sister Katie Miller, by their friend Hayley Coles of Malton.

She said the sisters gave their time to others without a thought after the Ouse and Foss rivers burst their banks on Boxing Day, causing devastating flooding for hundreds of residents.

"They are two of the kindest people I have ever known," she said. "They both helped with the floods so much.

"Amy was very poorly but still helped out when she could and helped deliver aid packages across York day and night," she said.

"They helped to move people and then spent hours at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and at Foxwood community centre sorting through donations. Katie was one of the first people to drum up support at the community centre."

She said Katie had also opened up her house to animals, taking in a puppy from the flooded out travellers' site in James Street.

"She is amazing and such an inspiration to not only the community, but her friends and most of all her family. With bringing up her young family, running a business, caring for her extremely poorly sister and helping those affected by the floods, she has a heart of gold and doesn't realise the difference she makes to those lives around her...the biggest unsung hero in York....!"

The medal scheme, organised by The Press and City of York Council, with support from York-based mutual healthcare provider, Benenden, is intended to provide recognition for the efforts of people, mostly volunteers, who stepped up to help out in the post-Christmas flooding.

Fifty commemorative medallions will be presented by the Lord Mayor of York at a special, investiture-style reception later this year.