2023 will see the 35th Cheshire Woman of the Year award and organisers are seeking fresh support from local businesses. Tony McDonough reports
Organisers of the Cheshire Woman of the Year Award are appealing for fresh business support.
First held in 1985, Cheshire Woman of the Year will be held for the 35th time (it was interrupted due to COVID). Now run by an organisation called Cheshire Woman Award, it is seeking around £5,000 in sponsorship support to continue its work.
Its first-ever award lunch was held in Cholmondeley Castle and raised funds for Barnardos. As it evolved into an annual event its home for many years was at Chester Town Hall.
From 1995 onwards the award has supported the NSPCC’s work in Cheshire and Wirral. Women who are nominated must live, work or have been born within the old boundaries of Cheshire. This includes the whole of Wirral, most of which is now in Merseyside.
They are not necessarily public figures but women from every walk of life. They will have achieved either outstanding professional success, shown personal courage or given considerable service to the community.
Sylvia Cheater, chair of Cheshire Woman Award, said: “The supporters, donors and sponsors of the Cheshire Woman of the Year award are the sole reason it continues to take place each year.
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“In 2023 it will see us delivering our 35th event. We want to make it extra special. We believe that being able to celebrate the extraordinary women from across the county has to continue, and this is where we need your help.
“We are looking to raise £5,000 to help us to deliver an unforgettable experience, inviting 100 women to be part of a day that celebrates them. We also want to be able to give a generous donation to our chosen charity, Childline & NSPCC.
“This event wouldn’t happen without the support from businesses and people and there are many ways to get involved. We are grateful to all our previous sponsors although love nothing more than a new business jumping on board.”
NSPCC fundraising manager Deborah Sefton added: “We are developing fantastic new services from our Merseyside hub including virtual services that can be accessed from other locations. With your continued support, we can protect children today and prevent abuse tomorrow.”