A school office manager, a campaigns manager and a charity volunteer were among the winners honoured at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards 2015.
They were amongst a host of city women singled out for their achievements in the fields of business, arts, health, charity and voluntary work.
Over 450 people turned out to see them receive their awards at the glamorous ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, organised by 3 busy women Jean Gadsby, Elaine Owen and Ellie Kerr.
Champagne was flowing as guests recognised the extraordinary success of the local women who have inspired the region.
As Chair of the Survivors of the Bereaved by Suicide, a nationwide charity offering a unique and distinct service for bereaved adults across the UK, Angela offered support to families and friends whose loved ones have taken their own life. With over 50 free support groups throughout the UK, the Charity offers support to over 7,000 people each year.
Elaine Owen, one of the organisers of Merseyside Women of the Year said:
“What a fabulous, inspirational day celebrating fantastic women and their amazing achievements –its uplifting and encouraging to be part of it all, huge thanks to everyone who helped to make it such a success.
The event once again teamed up with Radio City Cash for Kids, who provide a helping hand to disabled and disadvantaged children in Liverpool and the surrounding areas and The Merseyside Women of the Year Legacy Awards to provide financial assistance for support and networking opportunities for Merseyside Women of the Year finalists.
Headline sponsors were Michael W Halsall Solicitors and category sponsors included Liverpool ONE, Quilter Cheviot Investment Management, and The City of Liverpool College.
Investment Director at Quilter Cheviot, Alison Moore said:
“For the second year in a row, Quilter Cheviot was extremely proud to be involved in such a fantastic event. Every single finalist was a worthy winner in our eyes. The work they have done both professionally and personally make them an inspiration to the rest of the city”.
“Jean, Ellie and Elaine do an amazing job bringing together and recognising these remarkable ladies and supporting business women across the region”.
It is the mission of the Merseyside Women of the Year organisers to celebrate women’s achievements, to reward the best of the best and leave an enduring legacy for the next generation of Women to be inspired.
The winners were as follows:
Merseyside Woman of the Year 2015
Winner – Angela Samata
As Chair of the Survivors of the Bereaved by Suicide, a nationwide charity offering a unique and distinct service for bereaved adults across the UK, Angela offered support to families and friends whose loved ones have taken their own life. With over 50 free support groups throughout the UK, the Charity offers support to over 7,000 people each year.
Entrepreneur of the Year
Winner – Rebecca McCann
Runner up – Candice Fonseca
One to Watch
Winner – Morgan Dowler
Runner up – Nicola Forshaw
Women of Courage
Winner – Angela Samata
Winner – Sue Turnham
Winner – Reanne Racktoo
Self-Care Champion
Winner – Emily Oldnall
Runner up – Linda Cheveau
Professional Caregiver
Winner – Moira Cain
Runner up – Lin Linford
Mumpreneur
Winner – Cate Byrne
Runner up – Jayne Moore
Unknown Gem
Winner – Marion Hesketh
Runner up – Danielle Freedman
Female Apprentice
Winner – Gemma Bertie
Runner up – Miah Perry
Inspirational Woman
Winner – Jan Walton
Merseyside’s Global Ambassador
Winner – Eunice Huthart
Social Impact
Winner – Nanette Mellor
Runner up – Jennie Higgins
Arts & Culture
Winner – Zi Lan Liao
Runner up – Shirley Ann O’Neill
Women In Philanthropy
Winner – Bernie Bucket
Runner up – Julie Shute
Runner up – Sue Bennett