LITTLE Alfie Oliver had to be the proudest boy in York as he witnessed his mother Tracey winning our Super Mum contest.

The four-year-old from Clifton, who is awaiting a heart-lung transplant, clapped triumphantly as Tracey scooped the top prize in a ceremony at Middlethorpe Hall in York.

Tracey was among the finalists and their guests enjoying afternoon tea at the National Trust hotel and spa on the outskirts of York when she was announced as the winner.

She was nominated by her husband, Rob, who said: “Without the intervention of a super mum, I don’t believe Alfie would be still with us.”

Tracey gave up a career as a therapist to care for Alfie, who has complex health needs. A central line delivers a drug to his heart; he takes all his nutrition through a tube and requires feeding every 45 minutes.

Tracey’s prize is a luxurious pamper break for two at Middlethorpe Hall, including dinner, an overnight stay and spa visit.

The couple said they were looking forward to getting away together for the night – a first in four years. As users of Martin House children’s hospice, Tracey dedicated her award to other families caring for sick children.

She said: “You meet so many other parents in the same situation as us who are coping and they are so brave.”

And she was delighted that Rob and Alfie had nominated her for the award: “It was a lovely surprise. I feel really lucky and blessed with my family. Everything we have gone through in the past four years has been a struggle and traumatic, so it’s lovely to know that Rob and Alfie really appreciate it.”

Other finalists included Jennifer Flint, of Stockton-on-the-Forest, nominated by daughter Emelia for her unstinting support, who said: “I was shocked but it is a great honour.”

Helena Ferguson, of Stamford Bridge, nominated her mum Beryl McCaw, and said: “My mum has seen me through a lot of difficulties and is always there for us.”

Lionel Chatard, director and general manager of Middlethorpe Hall, said: “Every mother is special. It is always difficult to know how to say thank you, so to be given an opportunity by The Press to say it this way is fantastic as well as being great to highlight some of the issues parents face.”