AN ‘OVERWHELMED’ mum who launched a charity in memory of her 18-year-old son is among the inspirational Rugby residents to be celebrated at the fifth Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards.
Naomi Rees-Issitt won the Woman of Courage award at a ceremony at Coombe Abbey Hotel.
Naomi launched the Our Jay Foundation in memory of her son Jamie, who died suddenly following a cardiac arrest on New Year’s Day last year. Since then she has raised more than £60,000 and installed 50 life-saving defibrillators across the town.
She said: “I’m completely overwhelmed at even being nominated for such a lovely award, let alone winning it. My Jamie is truly the courageous person and he is my absolute hero and inspiration in everything.
“Jamie’s death was the most painful shock that any of us could ever feel. He was my right arm.
“The only way I can even try and get through the days is to work for him and keep on making sure that his face is seen and his name is said and that things change, because he deserved so much better. I know he would be proud of that.”
Karla Byrne, who set up the Domestic Abuse Support Hub in the town, said she was ‘honoured’ to win the Empowering Women award.
Since being forced to flee with her children from an abusive relationship, Karla now offers emotional and practical support to other women who have suffered domestic violence.
Karla said: “My whole aim is to empower women to find themselves and their voice and feel that they are able to live a happy life free from abuse and that they are not alone. To be recognised and awarded for empowering women is a huge achievement.
“I could never do what I do without the help of all the women that have empowered me in my own journey. I thank them for everything.”
Libby Wilson (left) receives her Excellence In Education Award from Leia Welland of Pet Xi Training. Picture by Dy Holmes of Spaces and Faces Photography.
Libby Wilson, who established The Old Rectory Nursery in Rugby eight years ago after overcoming a series of setbacks including dyslexia and ADHD, won the Excellence In Education award.
She said: “With lots of stress and sleepless nights, I still wouldn’t do anything else, therefore winning this award means so much to me as I am extremely passionate about treating each child as an individual to instil confidence to prepare the children for life not just school whilst gaining first hand experiences.
“Having struggled with my own education, to then come full circle and win the Excellence in Education Award really is a huge personal achievement for me.”
Paula Heaton of the Belle Peau Beauty and Training School won the Business Entrepreneur award.
She said: “To win is so overwhelming. To me, it has solidified that what I do and achieve every day is welcomed by everyone. I have big plans and can’t wait until next year.”
The winners were selected from hundreds nominations across the UK and abroad.
Director of Ladies First, Tracey McAtamney, said: “Congratulations to all the finalists and winners who all truly deserve recognition for their incredible achievements. It was wonderful to see so many women supporting and celebrating each other’s successes.”
