Jennifer McQuillan works tirelessly for the community running her childcare business and supporting thousands of parents online.

Mrs McQuillan is an active administrator on the SW19 Mums online network, offering advice and support at all hours for parents who often lack a support network in Merton.

She is the owner and principal at Jenniflowers, named after her childhood nickname, which has expanded from a child minding business in 2007 to a nursery, pre-school and after school club with between 120 and 130 children.

Mrs McQuillan has been nominated in the community category for her dedication by Virginia van West, who said although she does not know her personally; she is a lifeline for thousands of women within the online community, many of whom don't have extended family to support them at difficult times.

There are about 5,000 members of the SW19 Mums Facebook group who share advice, buy and sell unwanted items and organise events.

Mrs McQuillan, 41, who lives in Southfields, said: "To be nominated is quite amazing.

"It took me by surprise."

Jenniflowers, based in Wimbledon Park Road, Southfields, continues to expand and in January opened the nursery and after school club for children up to the age of 11 years-old.

She said: "It is long days and long hours when you’re a business owner.

"I want to make a difference and help parents locally - I love it.

"It takes a lot of time but I love what I do.

"I am like a second mum to many kids."

There is still time to nominate someone special for a Merton Civic Award.

Nominate them at the website here www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/mertoncivicawards or fill out a form in the newspaper.