Simply inspiring

INSPIRE Women with presenter Chris Hamilton, chairman of Oldham Rugby League Football Club.

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

FOR five years they have been boosting self belief and raising aspirations among women who have faced adversity.

Inspire Women - which encourages women to take part in a variety of courses designed to support them, improve their self esteem and skills and reduce isolation - were overwhelmed by emotion as they took the Group Pride in Oldham Award.

Also boosted by the recent opening of their first a women's centre at Medtia Chambers in Oldham town centre, volunteers assistant Carol Morson said: "To win this award is absolutely fantastic. We're over the moon.

"I'd like to say well done to everyone involved in Inspire Women. We are just an ordinary group of women doing extraordinary things.

"Never in our wildest dreams did we think we'd win a Pride in Oldham Award or that we would be where we are now."

OL1 Oldham, which has been keeping community spirit alive and kicking in the St Mary's ward, working alongside First Choice Homes, Oldham Council and other agencies - was a worthy finalist in the category.

Honour
On behalf of the group Andy Gregori said: "It's amazing we got to the final. We're very proud of what we've achieved just over a year after starting out. It's an honour to be here tonight."

Fellow finalists were the Miller House staff from Shawside Residential and Nursing Home. They were nominated by Natalie Howarth after they cared for her grandfather James Walters.

They're known as the nursing home staff "heroes" to the many residents and families who've grown so attached to them.

General manager Joan Walton said: "This is brilliant for Miller House. We're really proud to receive this award. I know my staff will say they are just doing their job but to others they go above and beyond.

"We're so amazed that someone who was going through the grieving process and had so much to deal with themselves thought about us and took the time to nominate us. It means a lot."