We take a look at 23 remarkable women from Lancashire who refused to sit and be quiet, deciding instead to challenge stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling of what is expected.
17. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Jen Blackwell always wanted to be a dancer but her Downs Syndrome meant it was difficult to find someone to train her. Undeterred, Jen realised there must be others like her, so she founded Dance Syndrome in 2009, which has since won The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Accrington-based group performs and provides community workshops, co-led by a learning-disabled dance leader and a supporting dance artist. Her achievements have seen her appear in the Power 100 List of Influential People with a Disability. Photo: UGC
18. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Chorley's Rebecca Ramsay, whose son Dyland died over a decade ago from drowning, has used her grief as a platform to educate others on water safety. She has attended Buckingham Palace and won numerous awards, alongside travelling up and down the country to hold talks in schools. Photo: UGC
19. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
When she's not juggling deadlines and breaking news of the top stories across the north west, editor of the Lancashire Evening Post and Blackpool Gazette Vanessa Sims is negotiating bedtimes with her three children. Photo: UGC
20. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Laura Nuttall from Barrowford in Lancashire did not let a terminal cancer diagnosis stop her from ticking off an impressive bucket list before her death aged 23. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, Nuttall said she had chosen “to do something about it and stay positive” when she was given only 12 months to live in 2018. However, she went on to work her way through a list of ambitions, which saw her meet Michelle Obama, command a Royal Navy ship, graduate from the University of Manchester and present the weather on BBC North West Tonight. The Be More Laura Foundation donated to The Brain Tumour Charity £25,000 to help fund clinical trials in memory of Laura Nuttall. Photo: UGC