The Queens of Halton Awards are never just about one night. They’re about recognising the everyday impact women make across Widnes and Runcorn, and lifting that impact into the spotlight where it belongs. On 27 June 2025, we did just that. These are your Queens of Halton Winners 2025, and the incredible nominees who stood alongside them.
Every woman nominated this year brought something special, but the Queens of Halton Awards aren’t about competition. They’re about recognition.
And this year, once again, we were absolutely blown away.
All the Queens of Halton Award nominees are winners (and Queens) in our eyes. Thank you to the Jo Cox Foundation for once again doing the difficult job of selecting the Award winners in 2025. We really wouldn’t know where to start or choose just 1 winner in each category…
Huge thanks to all our category sponsors, digital supporters, suppliers and prize donors – the Queens of Halton Awards wouldn’t be what they are without you.
Queens of Halton Winners 2025
Download the Digital Programme
Rising Star Award sponsored by Widnes Vikings Women
Nominees: Alexis Mowat, Annabelle Thistlewood, Avarae Luxton, Georgia Flaherty, Tilly Smith
Rising Star Award Winner: Annabelle Thistlewood
At just 16 years old, Annabelle is already a trusted, calming presence at Space Runcorn. She encourages younger girls to be confident, be themselves, and have fun, without even realising the difference she’s making. A natural leader and true role model.
Ray of Light Award sponsored by SO Nutrition
Nominees:
Alison Telfer, Amy Doyle, Anna Jenkins, Becki Mowat, Brenda Savil, Cheryl Sillery Brown, Clare Isherwood, Janine Mawdsley, Joanne Brown, Karen Ward, Karren Fraser Knight, Lynne Doyle, Michelle Simpson, Nicola Littlemore, Paula Cox, Ripley Fletcher, Sarah Davies, Sharon English
Ray of Light Winner: Paula Cox
Paula has an incredible way of making people feel special, seen, and supported. She was nominated for the way she uplifts others with warmth, care, and a strong sense of community – the very definition of a Ray of Light.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award sponsored by Mitchell Charlesworth
Nominees:
Abbie Swain, Amy Doyle, Avarae Luxton, Becky Lamey, Francesca Ellsmoor, Karen Ward, Lindsey Stephens, Lyndsey Charnley, Naomi Ennis, Sarah Davies, Tanya Johnson, Terry Kearney
Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner: Amy Doyle
Amy turned a deeply personal experience into something powerful. Through her business, she’s created a safe space for others and shown real resilience and purpose. Her journey is rooted in helping others, and she does it with strength and compassion.
Community Leader of the Year Award sponsored by Widnes Vikings Foundation
Nominees: Anna Jenkins, Caroline Moss, Laura Beechey, Laura Bevan, Linda Riley-Dawkin, Shelagh Kearney
Community Leader of the Year Award Winner: Shelagh Kearney
Shelagh is a connector, advocate, and fierce supporter of women in Halton. Her nomination described her as someone who brings people together, listens without judgement, and puts real energy into helping others grow. A true community leader.
Volunteer of the Year Award sponsored by Neil & Barker
Nominees: Andrea Wainwright, Annmarie Yates, Chris Godwin, Lesley Coleman, Lyn Farrow, Susan Gray
Volunteer of the Year Award Winner: Lyn Farrow
Lyn has volunteered for five years with the same charity, showing up consistently to help raise awareness, manage the phones, support other women, and simply be there. Her generosity, reliability, and strength have not gone unnoticed.
Jo Cox Make a Difference Award sponsored by Anthony’s Travel
Nominees: Amy Doyle, Anna Skies, Caroline Moss, Louise Nulty, Naomi Ennis, Nicky Woodward, Nicola Littlemore, Sharon English, Shelagh Kearney, Terri Kearney
Jo Cox Make a Difference Award Winner: Caroline Moss
Caroline’s work around grief support, lived experience, and community inclusion is nothing short of life-changing. She has created spaces where people can speak, feel seen, and begin to heal. Her impact is wide-reaching and deeply felt.
Celebrating the Queens of Halton Winners 2025
The Queens of Halton Awards are about recognising real women making a real difference in our community. It’s not about titles, it’s about impact.
Thank you to everyone who nominated, sponsored, supported or showed up.
You helped make this happen.
Missed the event or want a reminder of how the night unfolded?
The digital event programme includes the evening’s running order, sponsor listings, and more – grab a brew and take a look.
The Queens of Halton Awards will be back in 2026. Until then, keep backing women. Keep showing up. Keep speaking out.
If this post made you smile or reminded you of someone worth celebrating, share it. That’s how we keep these stories going.
Title image credit: Catherine Weir
Award winners images credit: Little Wonderland Photography
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