Five Northampton finalists revealed ahead of 2020 Inspirational Woman Awards

The awards will coincide with International Women's Day at Northampton's Guildhall next month.

Five Northampton women have been shortlisted as part of the Inspirational Woman Award judging process in Northampton - an initiative set up by Northampton Borough Council Women's Forum.

The awards will tie in with the annual International Women’s Day celebrations at the Guildhall on March 7, which aims to celebrate local inspiring women.

The finalists, who include volunteers and founders of charities, were each nominated for the difference they make in their community by providing support and by being great role models to others.

Last year's nominees pictured by Kirsty Edmonds: From left to right: Rachel Mallows, Daphne Robinson, winner Cathy Goldsmith and Lorraine Lewis.

The 2020 Inspirational Woman Award finalists are confirmed as:

Ann Comerford, who has been a tireless volunteer at St Aiden’s Church in Kingsthorpe for over 35 years.

She also volunteers her time with the Good Loaf, C2C Social Action and St Vincent de Paul and she visits elderly and vulnerable members in the community at least three times a week.

Alongside her day to day job at Aim Higher Northamptonshire, she’s an active member of the Visually Impaired Tennis Group.

The second nominee is Ved Nayar, who is a committed member of the Chai and Chat group and the founder of the Walk and Talk group, which promotes social, physical and emotional wellbeing for women of all ages and backgrounds.

The third finalist is Jody Abbott who has been described as an example of what women can do and how they make the world a better place.

When she isn’t caring for her grandmother, she is helping blind people stay independent. She also works with Girl Guiding UK to inspire young women being a constant source of positivity in their lives.

Jodie Low, the co-founder and leader of Free2Talk Community Interest Company has been nominated.

She has helped to provide opportunities to children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Northampton. She has spent her whole career advocating children's rights.

Last but not least, is the fifth nominee, Karen Haynes, who has shown others that whatever life throws at you, you can adapt and overcome, never-ever giving up and getting on with life for the benefit of others.

Councillor Anna King, Cabinet member for community engagement and safety, said: “There are so many fantastic women in Northampton who are committed to making our communities a better place.

“As always, the judging panel were really humbled by the hard work and achievements of local women, which were highlighted in almost 50 nominations we received.

“We now look forward to announcing the winner of the Inspirational Woman Award at the upcoming International Women’s Day event on 7 March, where we will have plenty of activities to interest everyone, from entertainment to networking, virtual reality sessions and information about what’s going on in our town throughout the year.”