We all have a special woman in our lives: it might be your mother, sister, aunt, cousin or a friend. Chances are you don’t see them every day but they are always at the end of the phone when you need them, and this person always seems to know the right thing to say, no matter what the situation. This week, our real woman is Nicola Madden. Nicola was nominated by her daughter Michaela who tells us, in her own words, why her mother deserves to win. "She had me when she was 25. She sacrificed everything for me and gave me all I could imagine. When I was four months old, my father left us.. She was forced to cope on her own, with very little money, and a baby to care for. "Mam never gave up and she was rewarded. In 1999 she met Mike, her future husband, 2004 they married and had 2 children. "She cared for her cancer- stricken mum Joan for 2 years, to the point she moved in with her. Nicola was nominated by her daughter Michaela "Sadly, Joan passed away in 2006. Mike fell very sick in 2007 and my Mam was put through a traumatic experience, unaware if her husband would survive the terrible illness he was suffering. Luckily he did and today he's as strong as ever. "Mam goes out of her way to care for us, provide for us and support us. "She never stops to take a deep breath, or treat herself. I think my mammy is the perfect nominee. I know everyone says they have the best mother in the world, but I honestly believe mine is exceptional. Yes we fight but what mother and daughter doesn't?!" We hope Nicola enjoys her €100 voucher, and if you have someone in mind for our Real Woman Of The Week please get in touch. Readers should submit their entries to info@her.ie and should also include an image of their nominated woman. Maybe it’s your sister who is studying hard for exams while juggling childcare, or a neighbour who cares for their elderly parents. It could be your Mam who is always there with encouraging words no matter how many times you fall or a friend who always makes you laugh, even when things seem bleaker than ever before. Whoever it is, we want to hear from you!