The Inspiring Women Awards lunch will be packed with awesome females. But who will be the winners?

Great British Life: Cutting a cake last year to celebrate 25 years of Inspiring Women Awards was founder Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy and TV presenter Angela PowersCutting a cake last year to celebrate 25 years of Inspiring Women Awards was founder Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy and TV presenter Angela Powers (Image: Archant)

One of the reasons the Inspiring Women Awards have endured for 26 years is the ability of the judges to find role models with an inspiring story to tell; women like 2017 Community Award winner, Dee Drake, from Knutsford, who is the driving force behind the Lalley Toy Appeal.

Over five years, Dee - assisted by her husband, Chris, and a small army of helpers - has ensured that over 4,000 gift sacks have been distributed to needy children at Christmas time.

In 2017 the Awards also recognised a 19-year-old who, 10 months later, made Winter Paralympian history. Menna Fitzpatrick, who has less than 5% vision, became the seventh Inspiring Young Woman award winner for her fearless performance on the ski slopes. Her story was inspiring and courageous, an exceptional role model for a generation. But in March this year, she became even more inspiring. At the Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, Menna became the most decorated British Paralympian skier, winning four of the seven British medals, including gold in the slalom.

Scientist Aisha Latif and mother of three young children was recognised as the 2017 Entrepreneur Award winner. While working full-time in research, Aisha spent three years working on her cosmetics range which won best beauty product at the 2017 Fashion and Beauty Awards.

These stories epitomise the individuals recognised by the Inspiring Women Awards. This year’s Awards lunch on Friday May 11th at The Midland Hotel, Manchester, will uncover more deserving women and the new winners will share their stories.

www.inspiringawards.co.uk