Incredible volunteer nominated for Northampton Inspirational Woman Award

Ann Comerford is one of five amazing Northampton women nominated for this year's Inspirational Woman Award.

Ann, 64, moved to Northampton in 1978 where she started work at the University of Northampton's Business School where she stayed for 18 years before moving on to Aim Higher Northamptonshire in 2004.

It was through her role at Aim Higher Northamptonshire, where she began working with people who struggle to find frequent employment.

She found herself working alongside a friend at Voluntary Impact Northampton who nominated her for the award.

"I was so surprised when I found out," Ann said.

"I think when you look at lots of things going on it's nice to think women are being recognised for what they do."

Aside from her day job, Ann has been a tireless volunteer at St Aiden’s Church in Kingsthorpe for over 35 years where she runs the repository shop, helps with music and is part of the folk group.

She is also an active member of the Visually Impaired Tennis Group and spends one weekend in Newcastle every year to assist with matches at their tournament, which includes her showing players where boundaries are

And, if that is not impressive enough, Ann has also been leading a group coach trip since 2012 from the UK to Lourdes, in France, for people with disabilities or might be receiving end of life care.

"It's really rewarding and fulfilling," she added. "You feel as if you are doing something good for people who don't have the abilities you have.

"We all hope that what we do is worthwhile and it's about giving a little bit back whether it's with our time or our skills.

"I do support my family quite a lot as well, I have two children and five grandchildren who I do lots of activities with. They are very important to me."

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

Other Inspirational Woman Award finalists include Ved Nayar, Jody Abbott, Jodie Low and Karen Haynes who have been invited to the International Women’s Day event at the Guildhall on Saturday, March 7.

If you've been nominated, please get in touch with Chron reporter Carly Roberts on [email protected]