Jemma Richards is a remarkable 22-year-old who has been named unsung hero' of 2004 by Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club and the Borehamwood & Elstree Times.

Her selfless work helping others was brought to the attention of rotarians searching for a special someone from Borehamwood or Elstree who makes a big difference to their community.

Jemma, who lives in Elstree, works with special needs children on weekdays, runs a special needs youth group in Croxdale Road, Borehamwood on Thursday and Sunday afternoons and teaches at St Teresas Sunday School. She is also a playworker at an autistic children's centre on Wednesdays.

While at university in Birmingham she paid weekly visits to a care home for the elderly, and even as a teenager gave up her holidays to help out at a summer holiday school for disadvantaged children.

Gemma says she loves working with people with special needs. "It's something I geniunely enjoy and I think I get more from it than I give," she said.

She plans to start an Open University course in early childhood development in September, before studying for her PGCE, so she can become a special needs teacher.

On a personal level, she has experienced more than most do in 22 years. Recently her father died suddenly aged 48 while she was overseas in her gap year doing voluntary work. She also cared for her mother, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Jemma herself has recently recovered from a brain tumour operation. The annual Rotary Club Community Award, in memory of Charles Bowles, was presented to Jemma last week.

Rotary Club president Barbara Kennedy said any one of the people nominated would have made worthy winners but Jemma was exceptional.

"We were truly impressed with her efforts in overcoming personal adversity to make such a valuable contribution.

"She is a true inspiration and does not believe in feeling sorry for oneself."

Gemma will now enjoy two nights in a luxury London hotel and two theatre tickets for a top West End show. Part of the prize was also £200 spending money donated by Rotarian Edward Stanley. This year's prize was donated to the Borehamwood & Elstree Times by Finchley-based Gadabouts Travel, in conjuction with Highlife Breaks and Thistle Hotels.