Published at 11:24, Friday, 25 November 2011

Jan Hawkins and Val Armstrong are two of a kind. The details are different but their stories have much in common. These are women who lead by example – women who inspire.

Jan and Val were among those honoured at the Cumbria Woman of the Year Awards yesterday. This annual celebration of unsung heroines shines the spotlight on those who have overcome adversity or used their talents to help others.

Jan and Val are worthy winners. Jan has helped raise the remarkable sum of £12m to keep the Pride of Cumbria air ambulance in service, volunteering the equivalent of a full-time job and more as chairman of the Friends of the Pride of Cumbria. She is also a foster carer.

She was presented with the lifetime achievement award.

Cumbria Woman of the Year is BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Val Armstrong, of Carlisle. Val is a familiar face – and voice – to thousands across the county. Last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time.

Val has not only fought the disease. As the judges said, she has also used her experiences to offer comfort and inspiration to other women and their families.

She has “bared her soul in an extraordinary way”.

Jan and Val were among 65 nominees at the awards.

Cumbria is a good place to live, not least because of its unsung heroines.

They live at the heart of our communities and our families.

They are an example to all; women and men.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk