Compassion earns reward

From the archive, first published Thursday 27th Feb 2003.

A GRANDMOTHER who was left to bring up two grandchildren when her daughter died has won a £3,000 bursary to develop her career and help support her family, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Victoria Johansen from Ewyas Harold is planning to strike out alone with a new business venture that will allow her to work from home and care for grandchildren, Poppy, 11, and Benjamin, five.

She won the money after writing a 400-word essay on her dream job as part of a SURE/Times competition. Judges were moved by her essay, which told of the death of daughter, Anna, four years ago, and selected her entry from thousands.

The bursary will help transform the family's life. "Because I have got two little children it's very difficult to have a 9-5 job, as I have got to pick one of the children up from school. If I had a bit more flexibility I would be able to give more time to the children," she said.

Victoria, who has worked as PA to the Duchy of Cornwall's land steward in Herefordshire for three years, has more than 20 years' experience as a secretary and personal assistant up to director level.

She is now setting up as a freelance PA, a `virtual assistant', providing administrative support to people who don't have enough space, work or money for a full-time assistant. She bought a lap top computer and printer with the cash last week and is already more mobile, fitting work around the children by visiting people in their offices.

"Victoria's compassion, confidence and determination made her an obvious choice to win one of the five £3,000 bursaries up for grabs," said competition spokeswoman, Miranda Harris. Victoria's prize also includes a year's supply of SURE deodorant - to protect her against the heat of executive stress!

Victoria Johansen can be contacted on 01981 240416.

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