A mother who has fought for justice for her son after he was left brain damaged following an assault on holiday has been named mum of the year.

Maggie Hughes' son Robbie still suffers from memory problems after being attacked while on holiday in Greece in 2008.

Since then she and Robbie, now 32, have suffered numerous setbacks in their mission to get justice prompting Mrs Hughes to launch a campaign to improve rights for victims of crime abroad.

Your Local Guardian: Robbie Hughes with his mum Maggie

Mrs Hughes and her son in hospital in 2008

Mrs Hughes, who lives in Wallington, has successfully lobbied for changes to European law to make it easier for victims of crime abroad to play a part in the justice system but believes more needs to be done and is continuing her work.

Now her work has been recognised by supermarket giant Tesco who have named her Achieving Mum of the Year in the Mum of the Year awards. She is one of seven award winners across the country and will be honoured at a glittering ceremony at the Savoy hotel in London later this month.

She said: "I feel extremely happy to be awarded a Tesco Mum of the Year Award. When something traumatic happens to a family, it can either send you in different directions or it can bring you closer together.

"My family have definitely bonded even more. I’m so proud to have played a part in bringing forth a new EU Directive to provide support for families affected by violent crimes or serious accidents abroad.

"Rather than each crime being looked after by separate organisations they are now brought together under the one unified umbrella to help anyone in need." 

Mr Hughes was in a coma for several weeks following the attack at the hands of a pack of thugs during a night out while on holiday at the Greek resort of Malia on the island of Crete.

Although four men were eventually convicted of the attack in 2012, they have since appealed their conviction and are free until their fate is decided at a hearing in November.

Having been named Mum of the Year, Mrs Hughes was invited to meet David Cameron at 10 Downing Street last week as part of the run up to International Women's Day.

She said she was delighted to meet the Prime Minister and used to opportunity to speak about victims' rights.

Your Local Guardian: Joseph Bruckland (second from right) is one of six men accused of a brutal attack on semi-professional footballer Robbie Hughes while on holiday in Malia in June 2008.

Benjamin Herdman, left, was cleared of any wrong doing but Taylor, Bell, Bruckland, and Banton were all found guilty

 


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