Accolade for rape crisis charity boss

The director of a charity which supports victims of sexual violence has been named the city’s most inspirational woman.

The accolade has been awarded to Zoe Bell of the East Kent Rape Crisis Centre by the city’s branch of Soroptimist International, which helps change women’s lives through education and empowerment.

To mark its 60th anniversary and International Women’s Day, it launched a competition to find women who have made exceptional contributions.

The judges chose Mrs Bell for her “outstanding professional and personal commitment to helping women”.

“I am both delighted and humbled to get the award,” she said.

“But, hopefully, it will also shine a light on the important work we do.”

Zoe received a certificate and £100, which she donated to the East Kent Rape Crisis Centre.

East Kent Rape Crisis Centre director Zoe Bell