Twycross Zoo CEO and world-renowned zoologist Dr Sharon Redrobe has scooped the Revitalise Business Woman of the Year Award at a gala award ceremony in Birmingham today.
Zoologist Sharon received the illustrious award in recognition of her leadership of Twycross Zoo. Under her guidance, Twycross Zoo has unveiled a £55 million investment programme that will transform it into a landmark attraction, doubling visitor numbers to one million. Sharon also lectures internationally and has written many papers on aspects of conservation and veterinary medicine.
Baroness Helen Newlove was awarded the 2015 Revitalise Woman of Achievement Award in recognition of her tireless campaigning work for victims of crime since the tragic death of her husband, Garry, in 2007. She was given a peerage in the 2010 Honours List in recognition of her efforts to make communities safer for people to live in.
Sharon takes over from the current holder Claire Lomas, who took 17 days to complete the 2012 London Marathon with the assistance of a robotic suit and raised over £200,000 for spinal injury research in the process.
In a break from tradition, a special Revitalise Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Baroness Stedman-Scott, in recognition of her work as former CEO of the national employment charity, Tomorrow’s People. She was made a peer in 2010 and is now Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords.
Former winners of the Revitalise Woman of Courage or Achievement Award include Martine Wright, who overcame the horrific loss of both her legs in the 7/7 terrorist bombings of 2005 to rebuild her life and compete at the London 2012 Paralympics, and Katie Piper, whose personal story My Beautiful Face inspired millions.
The 33rd annual Revitalise Women of the Year luncheon and awards ceremony took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, NEC on 9 October 2015. In excess of 500 guests were treated to a gourmet meal and a fashion show courtesy of Hobbs before the presentation of the awards.
The gala event was in support of the charities Revitalise and Tomorrow’s People. Proceeds from the event will be divided between the two charities.
Revitalise Trustee Linda Beaney, one of the keynote speakers, said:
“Huge congratulations to Sharon, Helen and Deborah on your achievements today. You are all so deserving of your awards and have provided a fantastic example for people everywhere to follow.
“On behalf of Revitalise, I would like to thank all the women here at this fantastic event for your support of Revitalise. In its three decades this event has raised around half a million pounds for our vital work. Your generosity will help us to continue and expand our vital work supporting disabled people and carers from the Midlands and across the UK.”
Pauline Edden, Board Director of the Revitalise Woman of the Year Awards, said:
“These incredible women are fully deserving of their awards. Women face many obstacles in life, but Sharon, Helen and Deborah really stand out as examples of what can be achieved.”
The Revitalise Women of the Year Awards honour women’s outstanding individual achievement in all professions. In addition to the Revitalise Woman of Achievement Award, the Revitalise Businesswoman of the Year Award recognises outstanding achievement in the sphere of business and provides positive role models to encourage other women to enter the business arena.
Revitalise has been a beneficiary of the awards since the event’s foundation. Revitalise is a national charity providing respite holidays for disabled people and carers, with 24-hour nurse-led care on-call and personal support, at three accessible Centres in Essex, Southampton and Southport. All of Revitalise’s Centres offer a wide range of activities and excursions. For more information visit www.revitalise.org.uk