Mum with breast cancer named mother of the year

A Perth mother battling breast cancer while raising her grandchildren has been honoured with the title of Western Australia’s Mother of the Year.

Donna Hessing said she was humbled by the accolade, and she’d never turn her back on those in need.

“When the baby was born and she was 10 weeks premature I didn’t even think about it twice,” she said.

“I just went and picked her up from King Edward [Memorial Hospital].”

The 56-year-old was nominated by her daughter, Leah Hobach.

“When I had my first son, I was a single mother myself and she didn't hesitate in moving us into her house,” she said.

“She's been mother of the year to me for 34 years.”

Hessing admitted while her days are often exhausting, she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“They didn't ask to be born, they didn't ask to be in this situation," she said.

“I want to give them an amazing life because all small people always deserve that.”

The Wellard grandmother is now in the running to take out the National Mother of the Year award.

Winners will be announced at the official ceremony in Sydney on May 9.