The Award for the Peter Edwards' Citizenship and Achievement Award for 2008 was presented to Mrs. Susan Gibson. The Award was presented by Mrs. Pamela Edwards, the wife of the late Peter Edwards, at a ceremony held at Staffordshire Police Headquarters in 21st May 2008.

Susan Gibson is a mother of a son with Asperger Syndrome. This is a pervasive developmental disorder that falls within the autistic spectrum and it is a lifelong condition.

Sue undertakes a great deal of voluntary work regarding Asperger Syndrome. During any free time that Sue has available she attends meetings and takes an active part as a member on the active carers forum at Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Support and discussions are held with commissioners and other carers to see what services are lacking for people with problems.

Sue also helps the North Staffs Asperger and Autism Association to help raise awareness of Autism and Aspergers Syndrome. Sue attends the Association’s carers group to help other carers and to give support where needed. Within this group Sue attends educational meetings regarding the disorders.

As well as all her voluntary commitments, she helps out at a new charity which has been set up called ‘Lifeworks Staffordshire’. The charity helps older adults, who have Aspergers Syndrome and high functioning Autism, into the work place.

The Chief Constable is delighted to invite Pam Edwards to present the ‘Peter Edwards Citizenship and Achievement Award to Susan Gibson.