The winner of the competition to find the Midland Chase Inspirational Woman 2015 was announced at the Region AGM held at the Chase Golf Club. 11 Clubs in the Region had each nominated a woman who they felt fulfilled that title and the panel of 5 judges reached their decision following presentations held in June.
She is Fiona Ford, nominated by SI Newcastle. Fiona’s own experience with hair loss following chemotherapy inspired her to set up a bespoke service for wig fitting in the Stoke area: she now has a salon called ‘Fresh Hair’ housed in the Royal Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent.
Member of SI Newcastle Sandra Mellor introduced Fiona again to Region members, explaining how she had first met her when looking for possible speakers for club meetings. She and all club members realised that Fiona was very special; they were so impressed by her positive attitude and utter determination that they began their support of her immediately – and that has continued throughout the setting up of her salon and all of the additions she has made to it since.
Midland Chase Region President Carol Bailey presented Fiona with a Royal Brierley Crystal inscribed bowl and vouchers worth £150 which she said she hoped would be spent ‘entirely frivolously!’
In accepting the title, Fiona told Soroptimists of the Region how humbled and honoured she felt to have been nominated, especially when she met the other nominees – and said that she now felt overwhelmed and couldn’t quite believe that she had been chosen for the title. Fiona said that she could never have realised on the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer that something as special as this could happen. She told everyone that she feels very strongly that women should have a facility to make them feel beautiful and looked after at such a difficult time in their lives when they are dealing with cancer, chemo and hair loss. She puts her success with the salon and the bespoke wig service she provides down to having lots of help from friends and family – and to never taking NO for an answer! Fiona went on to commend Soroptimists for all the work they do to educate, empower and enable women and girls throughout the world; knowing more about the organisation she has learned how powerful it is and now hopes to become a Soroptimist herself. Certainly Soroptimist International will be proud and pleased to welcome such an Inspirational Woman into their membership.
For more information about SI Midland Chase please visit the website www.sigbi.org/midland-chase; more information about Fresh Hair can be found at www.uhnmcharity.org.uk/
Photos attached: Fiona Ford, winner, Inspirational Woman 2015; SIMC President Carol Bailey; Sandra Mellor, SI Newcastle