Cheshire Woman Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates the achievements of remarkable women residing in Cheshire and Wirral.
We honour ordinary women doing extraordinary things.
It honours women who have demonstrated personal courage, outstanding professional success, or exceptional service to their communities.
It also functions as a fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting the NSPCC and their work supporting children in Cheshire and Wirral.
Cheshire Woman Awards 2025
2025 Winner - Cheshire Woman of the Year
Esther Ghey
Esther Ghey is a mental health campaigner, author, and founder of Peace & Mind UK, a community interest company working to improve the mental health of young people and their families. After the tragic loss of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, Esther launched the Peace in Mind campaign, calling for mindfulness to be taught in schools across the UK, alongside stronger online safety measures to better protect children.
She is the author of Under a Pink Sky, a memoir about love, loss and the power of forgiveness, and appeared in the ITV documentary Brianna - A Mother’s Story. Through her work, Esther continues to advocate for safer, more empathetic spaces - online, in schools, and in society.
2025 Special Awards
Margaret Jarrett MBE
International Changemaker
Margaret founded OAKS charity after witnessing the plight of orphaned children in Sierra Leone. She built a school that now educates 745 children and has expanded to include a secondary school. Margaret’s unwavering dedication earned her an MBE in 2024 for her outstanding work.
Dr Mary Wilson
Lifetime Commitment to Women’s Health
Mary has led the National Breast Imaging Academy since 2018, driving efforts to increase the UK breast imaging workforce. Her leadership has contributed to expanding specialist training and improving breast cancer care. As Consultant Radiologist, former Director of Greater Manchester Breast Screening, and Prevent Breast Cancer trustee, she’s advancing research and patient care.
2025 Sponsors
We are most grateful to the individuals and businesses from all parts of Cheshire who have helped us. Without them this very special event would not happen and we would not be able to raise funds for the NSPCC. Sponsorship of the event has raised almost £300,000 to help some of the most vulnerable children in Cheshire and Wirral.
Platinum Sponsors
Reception Drinks
Table Sponsor
Table Sponsor
past awards
Cheshire Woman Awards 2024
2024 Winner - Cheshire Woman of the YearMel Kelly Mel Kelly has been described as a young visionary whose life and work for the community show her unwavering courage and compassion. Mel was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of 22. In a split second, her world...
Cheshire Woman Awards 2023
2023 Winner - Cheshire Woman of the YearIje McDougall Ije McDougall is a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to helping others. She set up a charity called The Kairos Initiative which has made a real difference to the lives of many people around the world. As...
Cheshire Woman Awards 2022
2022 Winner - Cheshire Woman of the YearPauline Finlay Pauline Finlay is a specialist Nurse Prescriber working in a small practice looking after about 400 homeless patients in Chester. Although affluent, Chester has a relatively large homeless population and many of...
Who are the awards for?
The awards are for women who live, work, or were born in Cheshire, including Wirral.
Nominations are open to the public, allowing anyone to recognise a deserving woman in their life.
We like to keep the nominator a surprise!
Cheshire Woman Awards are organised by Cheshire Woman Awards Committee who all volunteer their time.
The event relies on the support of sponsors and volunteers.
The event is also supported by the NSPCC.
Here’s what some of our ladies have said
Victoria Charlton
“It was absolutely amazing to be nominated for the Cheshire Woman Award. It was such a difficult time when we suddenly lost the dance school venue, but we just picked up the phone and started ringing round and within days we had venues sorted for all of the classes. It taught me that no matter what happens, you just have to take a deep breath and keep going.”
Suzanne Rippon
“I am so honoured to be here, but it’s not about me, we are all in it together. The Life Tree Cafe became a focal point during lockdown – a community safe haven, but I am here today to represent EVERYONE that’s been part of it.”
Julie Duff
“I am completely overwhelmed to have been nominated. It was totally unexpected, and I just feel so honoured that someone has taken the time to put me forward. It’s absolutely fantastic to be here today.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can anyone buy tickets for the event?
A: No. Attendance at the event is for nominees only
Q: How can I get involved?
A: We welcome businesses to sponsor and donate prizes for our raffle or goodie bags
Q: As a nominee, can you tell me who nominated me?
A: We like to keep this a surprise, so we don’t say who nominated you. It makes it all the more special
Q: As a nominee, will my name be public?
A: In our initial letter, we ask you if you want to be mentioned – you have the option to say no here
Q: As a nominee, can I share my nomination on socials?
A: Of course, we encourage you to celebrate and shout about it
Q: Can you donate directly?
A: Yes, this will go with our contribution to the NSPCC – Click here to donate
Nominate
Cheshire Woman Award nominations are closed for 2025. Back again 2026.
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