A woman left blinded in one eye by an air rifle pellet is the latest Merton Civic Awards nominee after making charitable contributions to the borough.

Shirley Harper, 49, of Edmund Road, Mitcham, was left blind in one eye after being shot in the head with an air rifle nearly four years ago.

Rather than hiding away, she chose to dedicate her time to voluntary work.

She said: "Life moves on. It doesn’t stop me now achieving and doing.

"It’s about getting back out there and getting to know the community and see people."

Ms Harper has dedicated her time to the Jeremiah Project in Mitcham - a church group that runs projects to benefit and support the community and schools.

Hayley Humphreys, fellow volunteer and the person behind Ms Harper’s nomination, said: "Even though she has experienced a terrible incident she is an overcomer and an enormous blessing to the community. She is a hero."

Ms Harper has also volunteered her services to Spires - the south London-based charity for homeless and disadvantaged people - serving meals and issuing donated clothes to those in need.

She said: "Although I did lose my eye I actually feel happier with the life I have. 
"I want to make a difference to other people’s lives."

Ms Harper, who left school at 16 and went straight into work, is currently doing a course in social work and hopes to get a job in the same field.

She said: "Starting a qualification all by myself without anyone holding my hand was quite scary, but it will be great to get the certificate."

On discovering she had been listed for the Merton Civic Awards’ volunteer category, she said: "I am just overwhelmed that I was nominated. 

"It’s quite strange, but it’s nice to know that someone appreciates what I do."