Soroptimists have named their “Unsung Heroine 2023.” 

Liz Northcott, nominated by Adrian Dowrick, was presented with her award at an evening at the Carlyon Bay Golf Club. 

The name of the winner is a closely guarded secret and is only announced ‘Oscar style” at the Awards ceremony.  

The members of Soroptimist International St Austell and District also acknowledged International Women’s Day.

The nominees, guests and club members were treated to a buffet supper and entertainment by jazz singer Bromley Tate, and the showing of a video of club activities.  Nour Chakroun, the chief executive and founder of the Inspirational Women Network, based in Truro, was the special guest who presented the prizes. 

Liz has fund-raised and run the Cornwall One Parent Support Group in St Austell for 27 years. 

Adrian described her as “an exceptional lady who puts the needs of others into the heart of everything she does”. 

Heather George was given a highly commended award.

Despite being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, she has set up a support group with a positive mental attitude, providing emotional, holistic, meditative and yoga therapies. 

The other nominees had achieved amazing things for their communities, organisers said.

Soroptimist President Jill Barnard thanked the generosity of several local business who had sponsored the event and the Carlyon Bay Golf Club who provided the venue.