A PRIDE in Medway nominee has been described as an angel by the people who nominated her for an award.

Julie Sharp, of Durham Road, Wigmore, runs the Rainham Bereavement Friendship Group, which offers support to people who have lost a loved one.

Julie, 68, started the group four years ago after husband Philip passed away.

She said: "It was very sudden and I took it quite badly. There was no form of help at all. If your partner dies of cancer, then there is support there for you. But in my case there was nothing."

Julie began running fortnightly sessions, but numbers grew to the extent that she now runs two groups, which meet on alternate Fridays at The Millennium Centre in Rainham. She has also recently begun a group for younger people, which meets on Monday evenings.

Patricia Whiteoak, of Parkwood, Rainham, and Rosalind Wood, of Hempstead, Gillingham, both attend the group and put Julie forward for the community involvement award.

Patricia, 71, said: "I have been going to the sessions for nine months, following the death of my husband Geoffrey.

"Julie is marvellous. She runs all three groups on her own, gives advice and provides day trips. If you are feeling low, you can call her any time. She is an angel."

Julie said: "The group is all about providing friendship.

"I have been there so I understand what people are going through.

"The whole idea of the group is to meet other people who are in the same position as you and who know how you feel."

"My members have become friends. They pick up the phone to support each other, meet for coffee and even go on holiday together."

This is the eighth Pride in Medway awards. They are sponsored by the Medway Messenger, the University of Kent, Medway Council and mhs homes.