Inspiring women rewarded
South Wales Argus: 7 October 2006
(by Darren Evans)
Two Newport women were selected to join the prestigious Women of the Year lunch in London.
The lunch, on October 16, will see 450 women from across the UK come together to celebrate their personal achievements.
Businesswoman Amanda Davies, chief executive of the Seren Group, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) campaigner Ruth Christoffersen, were nominated to attend the lunch by Gwent Euro MP Glenys Kinnock.
Ms Davies has run the Seren Group of companies in Newport for two years, which includes social landlords Charter Housing and Solas Cymru, which acts for the single homeless.
Ms Davies, a mother of one, said Seren prides itself on offering the best customer service and support for the 10,000 people it deals with across Gwent.
She said: “I'm clearly really pleased. But there are many women in Seren who are as much deserving of praise as I am. We are all making a real and positive difference to people's lives.”
Ruth Christoffersen has campaigned to make airlines responsible for warning passengers about DVT since her 28-year-old daughter Emma died of the condition following a flight back from Australia in 2000.
Since her daughter's death, Mrs Christoffersen has campaigned over the issue and was involved in a joint legal action with other victims and their families in an attempt to sue airlines.
Ruth Christoffersen said: “It is an honour to be nominated and I am pleased to accept in memory of my daughter Emma.
“We need to get the message across to other countries, and with the help of Glenys Kinnock our work has gained momentum.”
Glenys Kinnock said: “It was a delight and privilege to nominate Ruth Christoffersen and Amanda Davies for this year's Women of the Year Lunch.
“Both women have demonstrated remarkable tenacity and determination. They are a true inspiration and I am thrilled that their achievements are to be recognised.”
Good Housekeeping magazine, Lloyds TSB and Pilkington sponsor the awards, which were set up in 1955 by Lady Lothian. Recent winners in various categories have included Tina Turner, Paula Radcliffe and Dame Kelly Holmes. A board of women select the winners.
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