An inspirational and uplifting event, the annual Lancashire Woman of the Year Award lunch had a warm welcome awaiting Mama Sue and Elizabeth Gomm yesterday.
Guests at the lunch, held at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho, were so interested to hear Sue, winner in 2008, talk about how far the Happy House has come since then and to see it for themselves in our video, A Very Special Job.
The event, supporting Barnardos which provides help and focus to so many children in need in the UK, will also have be a big boost to us, introducing our charity to newcomers who may not have heard about us before.
Bury Soroptimists are the driving force behind it, and as our Rukia's Bury Aunties, they were thrilled to hear how the little girl they sponsor is growing up. They generously brought along new clothes they have collected for our kids for Christmas.
There were five nominees, all of whom would have been worthy winners, and the 2012 award went to Pat Rodgers. Her 24 year old son was killed in Blackburn town centre whilst trying to stop a fight which had broken out. He was killed by a single punch from a drunken 16 year old. Despite their terrible loss she and her husband wanted something positive to come from it and set up a charity "Every Action has its Consequences". Pat has produced an education pack now used widely in schools, colleges and prisons, which addresses the issues of binge drinking and violence and the devastation it can wreak on the lives of others.
Her award was presented to her by surprise guest BBC North West Tonight presenter Annabel Tiffin. Many congratulations to Pat.
Elizabeth and Sue with Rukia's Bury Aunties (top) and Sue with Sarah Flanagan (right) who hopes to volunteer at the Happy House.
VOTE FOR MAMA SUE
Please click on this link NOW to cast your vote for our amazing Mama Sue in the Most Inspirational category of the Inspiration Awards for Women 2012, she so deserves to win! Voting closes at 6pm tomorrow.
