PRC student and salon owner becomes 'Wonder Mum'

Part-time Hairdressing student at Peterborough Regional College, Liza Schwarz, has been ‘highlighted’ nationally as a potential Wonder Mum 2010.

Liza currently attends Peterborough Regional College, studying the NVQ 3 in Hairdressing on a part-time basis, whilst also caring for her 11 year old disabled son, Spencer, and running a hair salon of her own.

She was nominated for the competition totally by surprise by her aunt, for all the charity work she does for the causes close to her and of course the care and devotion to Spencer she has on a daily basis. She is now in the final six for the competition. To date, Liza has raise in excess of £20,000 for the Corpal charity, a support group for families affected by Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and also for Spencer’s school.

Liza says:
“The nomination was a complete surprise. Some children might look and act slightly different to others, but we are all human.”

Spencer attends the specialist Phoenix School in Orton Goldhay which has strong links with Peterborough Regional College and their specialist Inclusive Learning department. Liza, a strong supporter of schools and colleges providing facilities for disabled learners, has a student with special needs from PRC currently visiting her salon weekly for work experience.

“I think it’s harder for those people with disabilities to get placements. Everyone is good at something and there will always be a job that you can do.”

The nail biting final ceremony is being held at London’s swanky Claridge’s hotel on Friday 21 May where the six finalists will all be honoured with their family and friends, with one final lady being crowned ‘Wonder Mum 2010’.

The search for Wonder Mum 2010 is being supported by Asda and the final star-studded event in London on Friday 21 May. The lucky winner will receive a well earned break for the whole family to Disneyland Paris and also £2000 of Asda vouchers.

“I feel very proud to be nominated. Having a child with special needs, non verbal, means I don’t get to hear I love you mummy, or you are the best mum in the world, so to be nominated and supported by my family means a lot.”

Staff at Peterborough Regional College wish Liza all the best of luck for Friday’s ceremony.