The winners of the 2011 Worcestershire Women of the Year awards were announced at a special ceremony at Sixways Stadium recently.
The prestigious event, which takes place every two years and this year featured Christine Hamilton as guest speaker, recognises the important contributions that women in Worcestershire make to the community, while raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice. Previous winners of the top prize include Kathy Leather, Commercial Director at Warriors.
The Voluntary Award was presented to Valerie Corfield, of Trimpley, near Bewdley, who has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charities over the past five decades, while Nicola Matthews, from Worcester, won the Business Award. She set up the Spray Tan Cubicle Company in December 2004. The firm is now associated with Strictly Come Dancing and the Brit Awards.
The Achievement Award went to Ruth Jones, who established the 24-hour Worcestershire domestic violence helpline. She was also training manager at the Asha Women’s Centre in Worcester and is a part-time senior lecturer, specialising in violence against women at the University of Worcester.
The event was held in conjunction with St Richard’s Hospice. For more on St Richard’s Hospice please visit www.strichards.org.uk