Olivia Giles, quadruple amputee and charity campaigner, has been named as this year's Woman of Influence by children's organisation NCH.

The 42-year-old was honoured for her inspirational efforts in fundraising, education and mediation to help people in healthcare disputes.

Ms Giles was working as a partner in the commercial property department of a large law firm when she contracted the blood poisoning form of meningitis in February, 2002, which led to the amputation of her hands and feet.

She has since raised close to £500,000 for meningitis charities, as well as increasing public awareness of the early signs of the disease.

Yesterday's award is the latest honour for the former lawyer who has been Scotswoman of the Year and has received honorary degrees from Glasgow, Robert Gordon's and Paisley Universities.

In July last year, together with fellow amputee Jamie Andrew, Ms Giles set up the charity 500 Miles, to raise money to buy prosthetic limbs for amputees in the poorest parts of the developing world.

Ms Giles said: "The charity is about giving people a second chance. We work largely with children who have lost a limb mainly from either road accidents or infection. We are working to build a new workshop to dispense prosthetic devices and to train local people about prosthetics."

Around 250 people attended a lunch at the Barony Hall in Glasgow, to see Ms Giles receive her award.

She said she was delighted with the award, as it was conferred by her peers. She went on: "I am flattered and honoured. There is something quite nice about a reputable charity like NCH recognising your efforts."

Five women were nominated, the others being Bridget McConnell, chief executive of Culture and Sport Glasgow; Aileen McGlynn, paralympic champion; Norma Corlette, director of education firm TLG Ltd; and Baroness Helena Kennedy, QC.

Yesterday's event raised £65,000 through ticket sales, raffles and auctions.

Volunteer worker Kerry Laverty, 22, also received a special award for her work in helping homeless.