Two inspirational women honoured at prestigious awards
Shipley company, Keycare, has honoured Yorkshire’s top female sporting accomplishments at the 30th Sue Ryder Yorkshire Women of Achievement Awards, which took place at New Dock Hall in Leeds today, attended by some 700 guests.
For the second year running, Keycare sponsored the award for Woman of Achievement in Sport, which this year was won by Claire O’Hara Blanchard, the most successful female freestyle kayaker in history.
Originally from Leeds, Claire grew up paddling on the River Wharf and Aire and she now excels in her sport – paddling in some of the toughest environments in the world. She has no less than eight world titles to her credit, but as well as competing she takes the time to share her talent and love of the sport by coaching both children and top athletes around the world.
Such was the high standard of nominations entering the awards this year that the judges also decided to award a highly commended winner in the sporting category.
Highly commended as a Woman of Achievement in Sport was Janine Findlay, who heads up Beeston Juniors – a football club in one of the most deprived areas of Leeds. She was praised by the judges for her tireless work in creating a community that celebrates sport and families in spite of many challenges. Thanks to her contribution, the club has funding, kits and equipment and makes children feel proud of themselves.
Rachel Taylor, Director of Keycare, was on hand to present both sporting awards. She commented: “I am in awe of these women who have done so much to make themselves and their families proud. As a second-generation local family business, we believe it is so important to show our support to the inspirational and sometimes unsung heroes of our community. Through our sponsorship, we are also pleased to continue helping the Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice which does such valuable work for people needing end-of-life care and their families.”
Georgina Abbott, Senior Hospice Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice and organiser of the event, commented: “Yorkshire Women of Achievement is a wonderful way to celebrate women across Yorkshire. We are really pleased that Keycare has chosen to be our official sponsor for the Women of Achievement in Sport award and contributed to some of our raffle prizes.
“Nominees in this category will have competed at the top of their field or inspired others by breaking in the world of sport. They may also have used their talents to coach others to achieve the best of their ability.
The Yorkshire Women of Achievement awards help raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice. All our services are completely free to their family and loved one, but it costs Wheatfields Hospice £4.4 million to provide vital care. Whether we’re supporting people in the hospice or their own homes, our focus is on quality of life giving every patient the care and support they need to spend the time they have left in the way they choose.”
For further information please contact:
Vicki Roe at Spotlight Consulting on 07967 804140 or vicki@spotlightconsulting.co.uk
About Keycare Ltd
Keycare Ltd is the UK’s leading expert in the key recovery and assistance market. Commissioned by leading insurers and household name distributors, Keycare specialises in recovering lost or stolen keys for their customers. Managing over 1.8 million policies, Keycare provides a bespoke, white labelled key recovery solution together with a 24 hour UK based helpline full incident management and dedicated account management.
Keycare creates genuine business benefits for its partners, generating valuable extra income and contributing to customer loyalty and retention.
Keycare is an independent family owned business and was founded in 1977. It is based in Shipley, West Yorkshire. Underwritten by Ageas Insurance, Keycare Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA registration no. 309514.