In conversation with Part-Time Working Mummy

Rachaele Hambleton is mother to three girls, step-mother to two boys, engaged to the bird enthusiast of her dreams and manages to work part-time as a facilities manager in the care sector. She does all this whilst live blogging, tweeting and Facebooking with her 'crew' of over 250,000 mums, dads and many other lifestyle enthusiasts.

How did Part-Time Working Mummy come about?

In February 2016 I wrote a post on 'Spotted Torquay' about a lady I'd seen walking her children to school across the Shaldon Bridge in Torquay, every school day, for the past ten years. Within hours the post had gone viral; it reached the national press, it was published in newspapers as far as America and China and I had 'This Morning' and 'Good Morning Britain' bidding against each other for me to do an interview.

Because of the way it brought people together and the positivity it showed I decided to begin a Facebook page, sharing the highs and lows of family life... I wanted to be brutally honest about what I wrote, good or bad because I wanted to give a truthful account of my life. This has created a community that so many parents lack – a community free of judgement – but also a platform for people who are in danger or facing hard times to access help.

What inspires you to continue the blog, considering that you're a busy part-time working mum?

Lots of debate, laughter and tears - but ultimately it has allowed people to feel comfortable enough to start sharing their stories.

In the year since I started my Facebook page, I've been left broken hearted, stunned, shocked and disgusted at things I've read...  As well as overjoyed, in awe of people, amazed and left in utter disbelief at peoples' kindness and what they've overcome.

What have you been able to achieve since you started your page?

I honestly never expected the response I've seen; we're not even a year in and we're already almost 300,000 strong and have raised awareness for so many topics. Because of the kindness of the PTWM crew members, we've been able to donate over £10,000 to domestic abuse and violence charities and survivors. It has given me the platform to help seven women and their babies.

What are you plans for PTWM in 2017?

We'll be continuing to work alongside many refuges and domestic violence service to secure funds and to help families in need. Our ultimate goal is to grow PTWM as a platform to help as many families in vulnerable situations as possible.

Why did you get involved with the Towergate Care Awards?

I am delighted to be involved with the Towergate Care Awards. Like most people, although it's not my career, I am both a giver and a receiver of care. Towergate's celebration of the everyday unsung heroes amongst us, through the Part-Time Working Mummy Award - People's Choice for Unsung Hero, resonates strongly with what the Part-Time Working Mummy blog is all about: bringing together a crew of everyday heroes to celebrate the everyday joys of life as a parent and to support each other through difficult times.