Cycle ace to help pick new first lady

TWO-TIME Olympic gold medallist Joanna Rowsell Shand is to be guest of honour at next month’s Rochdale Woman of the Year awards - and the track cycling great will help pick the winner.

Nominations are now being sought for the award, which recognises an unsung heroine who has dedicated herself to good causes in the borough.

The Springhill Hospice organised ceremony will take place at the town hall on Friday, April 27.

Joanna, of Middleton, who won gold at both the Rio and London Olympics, will be guest speaker at the event.

Now studying for a physiology degree at Manchester Metropolitan University, alongside her work as spokeswoman for Alopecia UK, Joanna spends what spare time she has sharing with others the challenges she has faced not just in her cycling career but in her experiences of alopecia, the hair loss condition that she has lived with from a young age.

Event organiser Sophie Ansley said: “Joanna is an inspiration to women of all ages, cultures and backgrounds and the ideal guest speaker at this year’s awards luncheon, in the year when we’re celebrating 100 years of women’s right to vote.

“Who better than Joanna to remind local ladies that everything and anything is possible in life?”

Sitting alongside Joanna on the judging panel will be 2016 Woman of the Year Kath O’Donnell.

Kath, of Littleborough, was recognised for her efforts in raising money and awareness for Cancer Research.

She said: “Being chosen by my peers and my community, as an inspiration to others, was unexpected and amazing.

“I’m still pinching myself that the enthusiasm and passion I have

for fighting against the devastation of cancer, has led to this award. It’s an honour.”

To make a nomination ●●World Champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE is championing a female-only cycling event that will take place in Rochdale this Spring. visit springhill.org.uk/ woman-of-rochdale and fill out the online form, call the Springhill Hospice fundraising office on 641790 (opt 1) or email fundraising@ springhill.org.uk to request your form today.

Nominations should be between 200 and 500 words and describe exactly what sets your community apart.

Tickets for the awards ceremony, which includes a prosecco drinks reception and three course luncheon, are £37 and are available at springhill.org.uk/ woman-of-rochdale.

All proceeds from the event will go to Springhill Hospice. champion