A mum who set up a suicide prevention charity following the death of her son has been named as the Cumbria Woman of the Year 2024.
Judges heard that Kate Bainbridge, of Penrith, turned the tragedy of the death by suicide of her son, Ben, into the co-founding of the charity Every Life Matters.
Kate was driven by one of the most painful losses and was determined to do something to help to support others going through similar situations and to educate and support to assist suicide prevention in the county.
Kate’s nominators describe her as someone who is passionate, knowledgeable, dedicated and above all, inspirational.
The prestigious awards at the annual Cumbria Women of the Year lunch being held at Roundthorn Country House near Penrith, today.
The Cumbria Women of the Year awards were established to honour and celebrate women who have made extraordinary contributions in the county.
The committee also handed out three further awards:
Outstanding Contribution Award
Susan Aglionby is a farmer and philanthropist who founded Susan’s Farm, an organic farm which provides opportunities for learning and practical work experience.
Susan has supported many organisations in the county, including the Cumbria Community Foundation and Girl Guides.
Service to the Community Award
Janet Garner is recognition for her long-term commitment to economic growth and changing the lives of people in disadvantaged communities in Cumbria.
Janet goes above and beyond her role at BAE Systems, working tirelessly and collaboratively with local organisations to help deliver ground-breaking initiatives for Furness, such as Brilliant Barrow, comprising of £25m in Government funding to enable seven projects to happen, including Barrow’s first university campus.
More recently Janet has been a lynchpin in the Team Barrow initiative, working with Government and the council to secure funding to make Barrow an even better place to live, work, and build a career. The impact of Janet’s commitment and drive will be felt for generations in Furness.
Special Achievement Award
Olivia Scholey, 24, is founder, director and coach at Cheer Force Knights Maryport.
The group are currently the World Cheerleading Champions following a competition in Florida earlier this year.
