#IA- Inspiring the next generation of girls!

Around this time last year I was writing about the Inspiration Awards for Women in the capacity of 'blogger', after attending Cadogan Hall for the 2014 awards….

This year, somehow I have made it on to the short list for two awards in the 'Inspirational' and 'Inspirational fundraiser category'…Wowzer!

Imagine that…I have no idea who nominated me this year and was completely surprised when I received a tweet asking me to make contact with #IA.  I am completely made up by this honour and being associated with an event that celebrates the achievement of women and empowers and inspires our next generation of girls!

This year the format of the awards ceremony has been enhanced and involves a Gala event in the Grand Ballroom at the Landmark Hotel in London on the 12th December 2015.

Check out the website to find out how you can obtain tickets, to what promises to be a truly glamorous and uplifting evening.

The event will be attended by stars and women from every walk of life .The short list of names are on line and voting is open until Midnight on 5th December 2015.

#IA 2014

I have cast my votes already…..There is quite a  feel good feeling attached to the voting process,  with each nominee no more worthy than the other, but each inspiring in their own way….so be sure
to vote where you relate or are inspired the most!

I am only disappointed that I will not be able to go to the award ceremony, as I will be recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, but I am happy that my brothers Mark and Julian will be attending on my behalf to support the event and report back on the glamour of the evening.

Twitter  is bursting with excitement about the awards and most recently, the rather big Christmas tree from the Landmark Hotel was posted to tantalise our excitement.  Check out the twitter feed and follow @womensawards.

Whats more the whole affair will be raising money for 'breast cancer NOW'…. Having been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, like many thousands of women before me and those that will be diagnosed after me,  this is truly something that is worthy of attention and any donation now will seek to protect future generations.

'It’s our ambition that by 2050, no one will die from breast cancer'

In fact I am shamelessly going to take advantage within this post and launch my 'Breast Cancer NOW' £1000 challenge. I obtained my £1000 challenge pack sometime ago and I will be completing this fundraising challenge in memory of 'Booby Jo' who died age 44 on 12th April 2015.

I met 'Booby Jo' in hospital in November 2013 after our mastectomy operation and we became booby buddies and I became 'Suzy Breast'. She was delight to be around as we both progressed through our cancer treatment and I don't know what I would have done without her!

BoobyJo's death was a profound loss to everyone that knew her and in particular to her two children and unborn grandchild.

Booby Jo and Sister Pam

I will be undertaking various activities/events over the next 6 months and I am determined to raise £1000 in Booby Jo's memory!

My first activity is an appeal for donations in lieu of Christmas cards for 2015. Instead of sending Christmas cards this year I will start off with the first donation…. So if you can, please follow this link and donate your Christmas card money and set my challenge off to a good start!

Even better….why not  follow the link and take on the challenge yourself!!