THE mum who helped the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing waltz its way into Hampshire has won a special award.

Heather Parsons was last night presented with a Points of Light award from David Cameron.

The award recognises the People's Strictly star's work tirelessly fundraising to support the families of critically ill patients in Southampton General Hospital's intensive care unit.

The 53-year-old single-mum says the hospital miraculously saved her life after she was struck down with the flesh-eating bug necrotising fasciitis in 2002, which had eaten into her buttocks, thigh and calf.

Since then she has raised tens of thousands of pounds and then in 2011 she set up her own charity Where There's a Will which has raised more than £30,000 to support other patients and their families.

The prize was presented by TV magician Paul Zenon at a fab-u-lous Strictly Come Dancing event which she organised.

Heather, from Romsey, said: "They did it as a surprise. I was in tears. It was really emotional. I just didn't know what to do with myself.

"It was lovely because it was recognition to the support to all the contestants and the acts. It made it even more special because it shows this work is important. It made what they are doing more important as well."

More than 300 people cheered as nine sparkling Hampshire businessmen and women and celebs, including Radio Solent's Louisa Hannan, as they cha cha cha'ed their way across the dance floor.

Heather added: "I'm just blown away. I'm so touched. I know what it's like to go from not being able to dance to learning a dance and having to perform it publicly. Every one of those contestants sweated blood to get to where they are.

"I do what I do because I have an involvement and the intensive care unit saved my life. All those people have done it to help me and help the patients and that's so gracious and heart warming.

"All the dances were stunning so that just shows how hard they worked."

Ian Waite, who was Heather's partner on BBC1's The People's Strictly, joined a panel of judges that also included Joanne Clifton, astrologer and former Strictly contestant Russell Grant and People's Strictly competitor Mike Pattie.

Heather's son, Will, 20, who was seven-years-old when she was struck down by the disease, also came to the event in support of his mum.

The competition was tough but the night's winner was Southampton General Hospital theatre manager Jo Hall who quick-stepped to success with partner James Prouton, an instructor at Dizzy Feet Dancing in Shirley, Southampton.

She beat Pete Liley who runs a double glazing firm and Kelly Prouton of Dizzy Feet Dancing, dance enthusiast Tony Kebby and Michelle Mutuleasa of Dizzy Feet Dancing, Portswood police inspector Sharman Wickes and Bournemouth dance champion Andrey Firbu, Roger Lewis of Southampton General Hospital and Kerrie Low of Portswood's DM Dance Centre.

She was also up against pilates instructor Emma Roberts and James Flint who previously performed with Tanguera Dance Company, Steve Gallagher of BAE Systems and Kirstie Henry of DM Dance Centre, Kath Page who manages Southampton Music Hub and Wayne Sparling of DM Dance Centre as well as Louisa Hannan and Harry Andreau of Academy Studios in Romsey.

For more information about the charity, including how to volunteer, call 07795 460819 or email wheretheresawillcharity@gmail.com.