Amazing Women Awards 2019: The Improving our Environment Award

published 4 June 2019

The Hotter Community Awards – part of the Amazing Women Awards 2019 – all involve brilliant women getting things done around the country.

The Improving our Environment Award recognises amazing individuals who want to connect communities to the green spaces and wildlife surrounding them.

SCROLL DOWN TO VOTE FOR YOUR CHOICE

From early July the public can cast their vote for winners in this category, so don't miss out on the opportunity to have your say! Voting for the community hero awards is open from the 4th of July 2019 until the 2nd of August 2019.

Below are the three nominees

1. Gina Fox, 58: the woman encouraging people from all walks of life to enjoy the great outdoors

Gina created TheOutdoorGuide.co.uk, a website aimed at encouraging people of all ages and abilities to experience the great outdoors. Current initiatives include walks for those with mobility and sensory issues, and creating affordable outdoor gear packs for schools.

Gina says, “I got the idea for the website through working with my sister, former Countryfile presenter Julia Bradbury. What struck me while filming with her was not just the effect being outdoors had on me, but how it affected other people. I wanted to bottle that feeling and share it.

“My colleague Debbie North and I test every inch of a walk, film it and upload it, showing less mobile walking enthusiasts exactly what to expect. We also have walks for the visually impaired, which speak to the other senses – smell, touch and hearing.”

Deborah Lawrence, who nominated Gina, says, “Gina deserves to be recognised for her hard work in encouraging people to use the countryside through a number of entrepreneurial initiatives on her self-funded and bespoke website.

“Her persistence to work with charities and organisations like the National Trust and Keep Britain Tidy truly make our beautiful countryside accessible to all."

2. Dr Jan Peters, 54: the scientist championing gender equality within the STEM [science, tech, engineering and mathematics]

In 2017, Dr Jan Peters was awarded an MBE for services to women in Science and Engineering. She is now aiming to drive people back to Christchurch, Dorset, with the creation of a Science Discovery Centre.

Jan says, “I wanted to do more than help out with reading at my daughter’s school, so in 2004 I started by winning a grant for an outdoor science classroom.

“I’m determined to help young people see the opportunities in STEM careers. I want to create local opportunity and boost local economy in this lovely small town.”

Adrian Dwyer, who nominated Jan, says, “Jan is passionate about community and works tirelessly to make Christchurch an appealing place to visit.”

3. Susie Mackie, 61: the community champion

Susie is founder of Women of Spirit, a community that aims to support women who want to make their world a better place.

Susie says, “Women of Spirit was born following my discovery that my husband was having an affair. I worked my way back from this and I decided to help other women to get to that stage as quickly as possible.

“We have an online community and I put on workshops and retreats where women can come together. They learn that they’re not alone and that it is possible to flourish.’

Sharron Lowe, who nominated Susie, says, “Susie uses her own story of overcoming di cult challenges in her life to enable others to do the same, helping them not just to survive, but to thrive.”