The mother of a murdered teenager who founded an organisation in his memory is through to the final three in a television contest to find the country’s most inspiring woman.

Tracey Ford set up the Jags Foundation as a lasting tribute to her son James Andre Godfrey Smartt-Ford who was shot dead seven years ago.

Through her organisation she works to prevent youth violence and provides training, early intervention and preventative programmes in places like schools and young offender institutes.

The Croydon-based Jags is commissioned by Sutton Council and Sutton police to work to prevent reoffending in the borough.

And this morning she was interviewed on the Lorraine show on ITV about her work which led to her being nominated for Lorraine’s Inspirational Woman of the Year award.

Ms Ford spoke about her work with young people and how she is not allowing the pain and torment from her son's death to take over her life.

She said: "Losing a child is the most difficult thing a parent can experience.

“It's about how you make something good out of something so tragic - he's the reason I do what I do."

And in a statement released before going on air, she said: "It's very humbling and feels very surreal to be shortlisted for such an award.

“I have an uphill struggle trying to raise awareness of the devastation caused by youth on youth murder.”

The Inspirational award winner will be chosen by a public vote, which opens tomorrow.

Go to itv.com/Lorraine for more details.

Despite a £20,000 reward being offered, no-one has ever been convicted of the shooting at Streatham Ice Rink on February 3, 2007.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 020 8785 8251 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.