American Cancer Society Names Fergie Mother Of The Year

WASHINGTON (February 4, 2007) — Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, becomes the American Cancer Society’s Mother of the Year this week.

Ferguson, 47, is the mother of two teenage girls, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. She says cancer prevention begins by being a good role model.

“They see that I go running, I get on my bicycle, I do yoga, pilates, whatever else I do,” Ferguson told George Stephanopolous in an appearance Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “Do you know what they do? Get up off the sofa, turn the television off, walk to work, walk around the block, more vegetables, more fruits at school, less soda pops, less fast food.”

When she was asked whether she would like to receive the award, Ferguson said she first talked to her children. Their response was, “‘Mom, of course,”’ she said.

“I can safely say one of the best things I’ve done is be a good mother,” Ferguson said.

Ferguson and Britain’s Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, divorced in 1996. Ferguson published a best-selling memoir, “My Story,” and went on to become a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers.