IT was a celebration for a woman who has dedicated two decades of her life to making life better for disabled children in Southampton.

Friends and colleagues, including Hampshire yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE, gathered to congratulate Heather Aspinall on 20 years as chief executive of the Road Rose Association.

Heather took up the post in 1994 and oversaw the major fundraising drive which saw £5m raised to build the new purpose-built Bradbury Centre, which was opened by Prince Edward in 2004.

Heather, who moved to Southampton in 1973, said: “Young people and families come to us and we’ll try everything to make you happy.

“After 20 years I’m more passionate and joyful about Rose Road than ever – and everyone here is the same. I am so proud of what we do.”