Cumbria Women of the Year was inaugurated in 1990 by Juliet Westoll, now a Patron. Initially to support Barnado’s at Kendal under the Patronage of the late Viscountess Whitelaw, the awards now seek to honour women from all walks of life.

The only criterion is that they are truly inspirational. Past winners have included charity workers, carers, campaigners, business women, those who overcome adversity and those who have worked tirelessly for others: all largely unsung heroines.