Rochdale Observer

The search begins for this year’s first lady

- Flora.byatt@reachplc.com @florabyatt­MEN

NOMINATION­S are officially open for Springhill Hospice’s Woman of The Year 2020

The annual event returns for its 29th year in 2020, and nomination­s are now open to find the next Woman of Rochdale.

Springhill Hospice is looking for nominees for the award which celebrates local women who have done something extraordin­ary in and for her community.

She could be part of a local community group, charity or just carry out pure acts of kindness.

Nomination­s are now open and close on Monday, March 2.

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

The celebrator­y luncheon and award ceremony takes place on Friday, April 24, at Rochdale Town Hall.

Last year saw Carole Kelly, an inspiring mother of three, become Rochdale’s 28th Woman of Rochdale.

Carole founded the charity Jolly Josh in memory of her son, Josh.

She was inspired to establish the charity after feeling there was a gap in the system that enable families of disabled children and children with special needs to connect with one another. Jolly Josh has since gone on to bring families together, share experience­s, exchange informatio­n and eliminate isolation.

Josh sadly died on August 27, 2017, just one month before Jolly Josh was due to begin but through Jolly Josh his memory shines through these play and stay sessions, having become a lifeline for many local families who are caring for children living with a disability.

Nomination­s will be considered by an allwomen committee, made up of local ladies from all walks of life, from lawyers to councillor­s, business women to those who are retired.

Springhill Hospice’s Rochdale Woman of The Year Organiser, Sophie Ansley, said: “Each year it is an honour to put together this event on behalf of Springhill Hospice, in which proceeds raised from the luncheon is donated.

“Every nominee is deserving of this recognitio­n but obviously there would be no event without your nomination­s and I am sure there is one woman in everybody’s life who goes above and beyond.”

To submit a nomination please visit, www. springhill.org.uk/womenofroc­hdale

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 ?? Kerry Hargreaves photograph­y ?? ●●Rochdale Woman of the Year 2019, Carole Kelly, with celebrity guests, Lady Mary Peters and Antony Cotton
Kerry Hargreaves photograph­y ●●Rochdale Woman of the Year 2019, Carole Kelly, with celebrity guests, Lady Mary Peters and Antony Cotton
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