Pavers Community Champions: Your Finalists

Pavers Community Champions: Your Finalists

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we are thrilled to introduce the finalists for the inaugural Pavers Community Champions Awards!

Over the past month, customers across the UK and Ireland have shared heartwarming stories, nominating incredible women who make a real difference in their communities. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, supporting the vulnerable, or leading vital community initiatives, these women inspire those around them. The response was overwhelming, and selecting just ten finalists was no easy task.

As Debbie Paver, Trustee of the Pavers Foundation, beautifully put it:

'We’ve been so inspired by every single woman nominated for the Pavers Community Champions Awards. Each of these ten finalists has done amazing work in their communities, whether it’s through fundraising or going the extra mile to help those in need. We're honoured to celebrate with them on International Women’s Day.'

On the 8th of March, International Women’s Day, we’ll celebrate these amazing women at a special event, where one of them will be named the Pavers Community Champion of the Year. The winner will receive a prestigious award of a year’s supply of comfortable, feel-great footwear!

Let’s meet our incredible finalists and the stores they were nominated in to celebrate their inspiring work!

Anne Mcdonald, Polmont

Anne was nominated for her work with Meadowbank Car 4U, a service that provides free patient transport for cancer treatments. Her dedication ensures that those facing difficult journeys receive stress-free, compassionate support. One nominator described the service as "excellent with no stress," expressing deep gratitude for Anne’s efforts in making a challenging time a little easier.

Julie Brady, Atherstone

Julie has spent 30 years writing, directing, and producing the Merry Midwives theatre productions, raising over £110,000 for charities in Nuneaton & Warwickshire. A retired nurse and midwife, she even came out of retirement during COVID to help with vaccinations. Julie’s tireless commitment to both the arts and healthcare has left an unforgettable mark on her community.

Lisa Pallister, West Bromwich

Lisa works at a special needs school, providing nurturing care for vulnerable students. She creates a space where children feel valued, supported, and safe. Lisa was nominated by a colleague who described her as putting her "heart and soul" into her work, always going the extra mile to make a difference in her students' lives.

Rachael Scott-Hunter, Bicester

Rachael’s passion lies in supporting families of individuals with profound learning difficulties. She has tirelessly raised awareness of gaps in care and fundraised for Alexandra House, bringing them closer to their goal of creating a much-needed day-care, respite, and hospice facility. Her nominator praised her as a beacon of hope for families in need.

Sophie Giraudeau, Newtownabbey

Sophie is the choir leader of Rock Choir BallyHackamore and Holywood, creating a space filled with joy, laughter, and friendship. Her students say she has enriched their lives and that after choir practice, they leave feeling uplifted and ready for whatever the week brings. As Sophie says, "You can’t worry and sing at the same time!"

Sue Nicholson, Chepstow

Sue is the Chair of Trustees at Chepstow Mencap, providing quality care and support for individuals with disabilities and additional needs. She also organises pop-up cafés, community lunches, and local gardening projects, creating a stronger, more inclusive community. Her kindness touches many, offering vital support to those who need it most.

Theresea Evans, Llandudno

Theresea has been a pillar of support in her community for many years. From setting up hubs for flood victims to leading a knitting club that donates thousands of essential items to those in need, she has dedicated her life to helping others. She also founded ‘Operation Welly’, sending care packages to troops in memory of her son Llewelyn, who tragically lost his life in Iraq. Despite personal hardships, Theresea continues to shine a light in the darkest of times.

Trish Kinsella, Scarborough

Trish has been a lifelong supporter of the Rainbow Centre, an organisation helping vulnerable people in Scarborough. For over 30 years, she has donated, fundraised, and provided a listening ear to those in need. Her nominator described her as someone who always has time for people, offering unwavering kindness and support.

Lynda Corser, Skipton

Lynda is a dedicated fundraiser, organising charity coffee mornings for Martin House Children’s Hospice. She is also deeply involved in her local church, running a monthly pensioners’ lunch club and an annual ‘holidays at home’ event for those who are socially isolated. Through her efforts, Lynda brings comfort, companionship, and kindness to those who need it most.

Jenny Tinson, Bordon

Jenny is a social prescriber, helping people reconnect with their communities. One of her nominators shared how, after years of isolation, Jenny’s kindness and guidance gave them the confidence to step outside, join local clubs, and make new friends. Jenny's work proves that sometimes, a little encouragement can change a life.

Celebrating Their Impact

Every one of these women is a true champion, proving that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a ripple effect on an entire community. Their passion, dedication, and generosity inspire us all to do more, give more, and support those around us.

We want to extend a huge and heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination. It’s an honour to recognise these incredible women and their contributions.

We can’t wait to celebrate them on International Women’s Day, where we will announce the Pavers Community Champion of the Year! No matter the result, every one of these women is already a winner in the hearts of those they’ve helped.

Congratulations to all our finalists. See you on International Women’s Day!