A SELFLESS mother-of-13’s devotion to her youngsters has seen her shortlisted by the judges of a national competition.

Gale Moores, 45, had already raised her own six-strong brood before deciding to become a foster carer for the county council.

And within a short while, she had taken in two brothers, one of whom has special needs, who couldn’t bear to be separated.

But then a close friend died of cancer and Gale, of Waterfoot, fulfilled one of her final wishes, to look after her five sons and daughters after she had gone.

Her friend, Charlotte Johnson, has now put Gale’s name forward for the Tesco Mum of the Year Awards 2014, which will take place at The Savoy Hotel in London next March. Charlotte said: “Gale never complains and always has time for others. She’s so giving and always wants to make sure everyone else is okay before herself.

“She never asks for thanks and does everything from the goodness of her heart.

“She’s a true hero in my eyes.”

Judges for the prize will include Radio Two DJ Sara Cox, television presenter Gaby Logan and Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis, who will be considering candidates throughout November.

Colleen Rooney is also acting as an ambassador for the event.

If she is successful in the awards, now in their ninth year, Gale will win a full makeover and her own Tesco Living magazine photo shoot.