FROM the bottom of the parenting scale to the highest peak.

Rachel Baker is a supermum.

As well as bringing up four children of her own, Mrs Baker has fostered 40 children during the past two decades.

Now she looks after special needs children with health problems to give their own families a break.

The dedication, commitment and sheer hard work involved is immeasurable - as is the huge difference she has made to so many lives.

This week the Queen bestowed an MBE on Mrs Baker. Never has an honour been more richly deserved.

Updated: 10:53 Friday, April 29, 2005