2024 Winner – Cheshire Woman of the Year
Mel 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 as she knew it, changed and she was now in a fight for survival. She faced immediate brain surgery, and her recovery meant she was in a wheelchair, learning to re-dress herself and shower unaided.
During her hospital stay, Mel faced her diagnosis with a positive attitude and tackled adversity head on. Mel has become the driver of many campaigns and is regularly journeying across the country taking part in initiatives and campaign launches.
When Mel realised that brain tumours are the biggest cancer killer for people under the age of 40, she set out to raise awareness and founded her own business ‘Motivating Minds Ltd’. She likes to share information with young sufferers and what to expect when diagnosed. This is something she couldn’t access when she was first diagnosed as a young person with this rare condition.
Despite this journey, she has dedicated herself to charity and started to raise money for others going through the same thing as her. In the past 18 months, Mel has raised thousands of pounds for The Brain Charity, Teenage Cancer Trust and Move Against Cancer. She is pressing for change in kinder treatments and earlier diagnosis.
Mel’s dedication to supporting the Brain Tumour Charity through diverse and creative fundraising efforts showcases her enthusiastic approach to charity. Whether it’s the daring feat of abseiling down The Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool, walking 12 miles to mark 12 weeks recovery, the endurance challenge of the Yorkshire 3 peaks, or the community spirit of organising bake sales. She is currently training for a triathlon in August this year.
She has recently become an official young ambassador for the Brain Tumour Charity and was featured on the BBC Lifeline Appeal with Nicky Chapman. Mel has used her voice and platform to spotlight the urgent need for brain tumour research and support.
Mel’s influence extends far beyond the realm of motivational speaking. She has taken her commitment in fighting brain tumours to extraordinary lengths.
Mel Kelly’s story is one of transformation and purpose. It is a story that goes beyond personal achievement, providing hope and empowerment to others facing their own battles. Her work not only raises vital funds for the fight against brain tumours, but also lifts the spirits of countless individuals, encouraging them to believe in their ability to overcome adversity.
Mel believes that no matter what happens, with the right people around you, you can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Guest Speaker – Lady Redmond
Lady Redmond MBE (Alexis) came into office as Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire on 25 August 2021. She is a chartered accountant and spent several years in the accountancy profession before establishing, with her husband Phil, one of the largest independent television drama production companies in the UK.
She has held many senior non-executive, governor and trustee positions including National Museums Liverpool, Riverside Housing Association, Liverpool John Moores University and Alder Hey Hospital NHS Children’s Charitable Trust. She continues to support many charitable and not for profit organisations.
In 2003 she was made a Fellow of John Moores University, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and was awarded her MBE in 2011 for services to the community. Alexis held the office of High Sheriff of Cheshire during 2018/19.
2024 Special Awards
Team Awarded given to the female crew of the RNLI, West Kirby
Lynsey Gatenby (Launch Vehicle Driver), Claire Rogers (Shore Crew), Claire Hockley and Ella Marston (Crew), Eils Thomas (Trainee Crew) and Rachael Hearty (Treasurer)
Natalie Reeves Billing was given a Children’s Literacy Champion Award.
Sue Higginson OBE DL, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Further Education.
Nominees of 2024 and their guests
Anita Bhanja
Maria Challis
Cheryl Cribbin
Kate Harrison
Terri Kearney
Samantha Newey
Natalie Reeves Billing
Angie Taylor
Donna Bostock
Lyndsey Charnley
Emma Eager
Sue Higginson DL MBE
Mel Kelly
Freya O'Brien
Jodie Salt
Kathy Wesley
Clare Calder-Behzadi
Helen Clawson
Stacey Evans
Gwen Jackson
Debs May
Grace Ormerod
Hayley Smith
Kay Wesley
Serena Cubbin
Marlou Cornelissen
Sally Garratt
Trish John
Rebecca Morgan-Brennan
Ruth Parry
Sarah Smithson
Helen Wilson
2024 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.