Halton, UK – The Fortuna Female Society hosted its annual Queens of Halton Awards on Friday 19th June 2026 at the DCBL Stadium Halton. The event, which celebrated the women making a positive impact in the community, was a full house with over 200 nominations received across seven categories, the largest response in the awards’ history.
The Fortuna Female Society, a Halton-based women’s charity, organized the event with the mission to address social isolation and create a sense of community for women in Widnes and Runcorn. The organization’s motto, “Connect, Rise and Thrive,” reflects their dedication to empowering women.
The evening was hosted by celebrant Kirstie Atherton, with the Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, opening the event. Fortuna Female Society founder Laura Bevan expressed her gratitude towards the Jo Cox Foundation for their support in recognizing and celebrating the deserving winners.
“This year’s entries left us speechless,” said Bevan. “We are grateful to the Jo Cox Foundation for helping us honor these exceptional women. Their passion, dedication, and positive impact on the community are truly inspiring.”
The event also marked ten years since the tragic murder of Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen. The Queens of Halton Awards paid tribute to her legacy and her message of “More in Common,” which promotes kindness, community, and celebrating those who make a difference.
The seven winners were chosen independently by the Jo Cox Foundation, and they are as follows:
– Jo Cox Make a Difference Award, sponsored by Soroptimists International Widnes: Pauline Ruth
– Rising Star Award, sponsored by Sisterella: Georgia Flaherty
– Ray of Light Award, sponsored by LetsRoar: Alex Myers
– Community Leader of the Year, sponsored by Culture26 Made in Halton: Reverend Linda Dawkin
– Woman in Business Award, sponsored by Halton Business Investment and Growth Team: Daisy Healey
– Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by Halton & St Helens Community Action: Laura Bromley
– Queen of Culture Award, sponsored by Culture26 Made in Halton: Rachel Prime
The Queens of Halton Awards, now in its third year, was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors. The principal sponsor of the evening was the Regent Business Club, with additional support from Emris Services, Halton Business Investment and Growth Team, and the category sponsors listed above.
The event featured dancing disco ballhead greeters from Alibi Productions, and after the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed chip butties, a raffle, and live music from the Sax Pistols. The event was free to attend, a testament to Fortuna Female Society’s commitment to removing barriers to attendance.
All photos from the event, credited to Little Wonderland Photography, were used with permission.
