It gives me great pleasure to welcome you in this very special year to the Cumbria Women of the year 2014 website. It is 25 years since the event started in 1990 and it is very heartening that after all those years of holding this annual event, which is dedicated to rewarding those women who work selflessly for the benefit of others, to still be receiving such worthy public nominations from around the whole of Cumbria.

We are constantly struck by the enormous generosity of spirit, tenacity and courage which drives so many women to do so much for others and we wish to celebrate all those achievements at a special presentation luncheon at Storrs Hall Hotel, Bowness on Windermere, in December, when the Cumbria Woman of the Year will be announced.

This event relies on those who take the time to write such sincere and enthusiastic nominations about exceptional women who make a significant difference within their communities.

Perhaps you know someone who deserves recognition for the unsung work they do? We would love to hear about them and acknowledge the contribution they make to improving lives in Cumbria.

Additionally, we recognise the important and constant effort made in our County by women who have dedicated vast amounts of time, effort and energy over many years with the Cumbria Life Lifetime Achievement Award, which is also presented at the luncheon.

Without the support of our sponsors each year we would not be able to hold this event each year and we are grateful to them for their very generous support.

I would like to give personal thanks to my hard working committee who have each brought their individual skills to creating this special event.

Please take a look at the website and consider whether you know someone who deserves to be nominated and join the wonderful women who have held the title over the last 25 years. We look forward to hearing about them.

With best wishes,

Tess Hart