Freedom fighter’s award honour
FREEDOM fighter Lisa Dunn was given the surprise of her life at a ceremony recognising outstanding women.
Lisa, of Ashington, Northumberland, fought tirelessly for four years as her brother, former soldier Nick, was trapped in India.
Nick and five other men, known as the Chennai Six, were jailed after weapons were found on board a security ship they were working on in 2013.
In December last year, the men were acquitted of the charges and allowed to return to the UK after their lengthy battle for freedom.
In recognition of Lisa’s tireless campaign to bring the men home, the 38-year-old was named best newcomer at the Sunshine Fund Glass Slipper Awards.
But it was no ordinary presentation, with Nick taking to the stage to present the accolade to his “amazing, darling, inspirational sister”.
Speaking at the event at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead, Nick said: “During the time I was in prison I had some very low times but everyone’s amazing support got me through it.
“The one person who I’m on stage for and who was really the driving force was my sister, Lisa Dunn.
“What she has done for me and the rest of the guys – the Chennai 6 – was phenomenal.”
Nick, also of Ashington, was reunited with his family just in time for Christmas after being given permission to leave India.
He added: “She never gave up, she showed the drive and determination to push the Government, to push the legal team, to bring myself and the rest of the guys home.
“I would like to present the award for best newcomer to my amazing, darling, inspirational sister, and I would like to say I hope she inspires every single woman in here because she inspired me.”
The awards recognise the achievements of women in the region for their charity work and in business.
Lisa said it was “the icing on the cake to win an award like this”.
She added: “It is just amazing and to have him home and for him to give me this award was extra special.
“It really, really was extra special. It was a lovely touch.”
Lisa said winning the award came as a “massive shock”.
“To receive recognition for that is...I’m truly overwhelmed and thankful,” she added.
The winners of this year’s Sunshine Fund Glass Slipper Awards are:
North East Champion: Nickie Gott. She works to inspire and motivate other women to succeed through her work as chairwoman of North East Women’s Advisory Board and Win Ltd.
Outstanding Business Leader: Patsie Beaton - Intu. As head of operational change for shopping mall owner Intu, she works across the business on a number of projects which impact teams in a positive way.
Woman in the Community Award: Helen Crowthersaw. After she saw a drop in the number of women booking themselves in for smear tests in Weardale, Helen has helped to double the number within a few months.
Woman of the Year: Emily Cox, director of public affairs for Newcastle’s Virgin Money. Emily has headed up the team responsible for the Gadhia Review, which considered the representation of women in senior management roles in the financial services sector. It informed the Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter, which has been signed by more than 120 companies.
Young Achiever: Katie Meehan. Katie has overcome many challenges living with cystic hygroma and has made her mark on the beauty industry. She has a huge social media following with 19,000 followers on Instagram, has worked with big brands and is an ambassador for Beauty Bay. Her Youtube videos have received more than 27,000 views and she’s made a video for BBC Three ‘Skin Deep’ which has more than one million views.
Judges’ Recognition Award: Helen Atkinson
Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Khaliq. Susan owns Gainford Care Homes with her husband Mohammed Khaliq. They now operate 14 care homes, and help more than 15,000 people requiring nursing, including those with learning disabilities and dementia, employing more than 1,100 staff. The group branched into hospitality by buying the Vermont Hotel in Newcastle and it has signed up for the Armed Forces Covenant, helping those in the Armed Forces get back into work.
Susan recently raised £3,000 for the Sunshine Fund. by trekking over the Grand Canyon.