THE deeds of 17-year-old Becka Abson, of Taunton, epitomise the word ‘friendship’ and earned her a Sandy Padgett Award at the Pride of Somerset Youth Awards.

She received her certificate from Ken Padgett, husband of Ch Supt Sandy Padgett, who was in charge of policing in Taunton at the time she died.

Becka has been a loyal friend to a girl called Jasmine for the last ten years – and it was Jasmine’s mum Tina who nominated her.

Jasmine has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and is a full-time wheelchair user who needs continuous support.

That support often comes from Becka, who thinks nothing of washing or dressing Jasmine or helping her take her medication.

Tina said: “She stays with us most weekends and in that time she arranges to go to town with Jasmine, organising taxis and bus timetables. On one occasion Jasmine was sick through the night and Becka got up, cleaned Jasmine and remade the bed – she could have woken me but she didn’t. She has been able to lift Jasmine out of depression and make her believe that life is worth living.”

At the ceremony modest Becka said she was only doing what friends do.