Female plasterer shocked by Chris de Burgh tribute

Plasterer Naima Ben-Moussa (right) pictured with broadcaster Nina Hossain at the charity event

A female plasterer who redecorates the homes of domestic abuse survivors said she was "overwhelmed" by a video of Lady in Red singer Chris de Burgh praising her work.

Naima Ben-Moussa, originally from Buxton, was sent the video after winning two national awards.

Ms Ben-Moussa's Rebuilding Lives charity creates homes for survivors and trains women to become plasterers.

She said: "It's been a whirlwind to get here, I'm so proud of myself."

Ms Ben-Moussa won a Special Recognition and Plasterer of the Year Award at the On The Tools Awards.

After meeting Jeremy Vine at the awards ceremony, she was sent a video from his friend Chris de Burgh who praised her efforts before singing a rendition of his hit The Lady in Red in honour of her dyed hair.

"For me, it's quite difficult to understand with all the trauma that I've been through that there are people supporting me," she said.

"I still struggle with trauma, despite all of the people supporting me. On those darkest days where I'm struggling to see the light, that video will be the video I will turn to.

"I'm stuck with my hair colour for life now."

Ms Ben-Moussa, who began working as a plasterer three years ago, said she had been drawn towards helping abuse survivors after witnessing domestic violence as a child.

She said being fostered had "saved her life" and inspired her current career.

Ms Ben-Moussa said her foster dad had owned a textile mill and she had helped him renovate a number of properties he owned.

"Because of my own trauma that I've been through, it takes a little while for things like getting an award to sink in," she said.

"I've said that to become a plasterer after all the things that I've been through - I'm really proud of myself."

Last year, she set up a charity called Rebuilding Lives UK which works alongside organisations such as Women's Aid to help domestic abuse survivors renovate their homes, following violence.

She said the charity was all about "empowering women" who had suffered through trauma such as domestic abuse.

Naima at work replastering for a family affected by domestic abuse

Ms Ben-Moussa said picking up a trowel and becoming a plasterer helped her with her own past trauma and through her charity work, she wants to make an impact on women who need help.

"I found such strength in the trade, being on site around other men I didn't feel intimidated because I had worked hard," she added.

"Our aim is to encourage others to train and get on the tools."

She said the charity was now being contacted by councils and agencies across the country for help.

Naima said it was her foster dad who inspired her to become a plasterer

The latest award follows another title Ms Ben-Moussa received back in May.

CEO of On The Tools, Lee Wilcox, said: "I'm thrilled that Naima has won.

"The plastering award is testament to her commitment to her craft, and the special recognition award applauds the charity work she does, and inspires others to do.

"Naima is not only a credit to the construction industry but the whole country."