M-Way heroine voted Woman of the Year

Jun 21 2008 by Laura Davis, Liverpool Daily Post

Sue Sherman, Merseyside Woman of the Year 2008 _320

Emma Johnson and Laura Davis report on the women whose courage and determination have earned your praise and admiration

A BARRISTER who talked a 15-year-old girl down off a motorway bridge has been named Merseyside Woman of the Year 2008.

Sue Sherman, a children’s care procedures specialist, spent 20 minutes with the teenager on the M60 before suggesting they should go back to her car to warm up.

The girl hugged her and allowed Sue, who had been driving home from a training conference in Bolton, to lead her away from danger, much to the relief of the police officers at the scene.

Sue, who was born in Kirkby but these days lives in Wirral, said she was “overwhelmed and delighted” to be honoured.

Accepting her award, Sue said: “There are people in this room who save lives every day I just had the chance to save one.”

Speaking afterwards she added: “I feel very proud that a girl originally from Kirkby can be voted Woman of the Year. I feel very privileged in my job every day to be able to work with people from Liverpool. To win this award is the icing on the cake after a lovely year in which I have also been approved as a foster carer and am thoroughly enjoying foster care.”

Also honoured in the Awards, sponsored by Merseyrail and supported by the Daily Post, were the winners of 10 categories from entertainment to women’s groups.

They included former Brookside actress Sue Jenkins, who described her award as “special and meaningful”, 25-year-old fundraiser Michelle Lewis and local independent gallery owner Olwen McLaughlin.

The judges of the awards, which took place during a lunchtime ceremony at Crowne Plaza hotel, were Yvonne Leith, Merseyrail’s head of safety; Jean Gadsby, of Gadsbys; Emma Johnson, Daily Post features editor; Ann McCracken, O2 UK community manager; Lyn Staunton, of Power Promotions; Dorothy Kuya, executive member of Granby Residents Association and a trustee of National Museums Liverpool; Geraldine McEntegart, founder of McEntegart Marketing; Lesley Martin-Wright, marketing and business development manager of JST Lawyers; Sandra St Rose, director of operations at Liverpool Diversity Centre; Esther McVey, founder of Winning Women; and former Merseyside Woman of the Year Ellen Kerr, of Women in Business.

Entertainment was provided by Liverpool singer-songwriter Laura Critchley, who is currently on tour with Boyzone. The 24-year-old has just returned from a successful trip to America to release her new single Today’s Another Day, remixed by Ash Howes who has worked with Kylie Minogue and Nelly Furtado.

THE timing of this year’s awards is particularly poignant as it has taken place just before the 10,000 people are due to take part in a fundraising event for the Linda McCartney Centre.

They will come together at Liverpool Cricket Club to take the shape of a giant woman in a stunt that is similar to Australia’s Field of Women, held by that country’s Breast Cancer Network.

The Linda McCartney Centre, at the Royal Liverpool Hospital, provides treatment for cancer and other illnesses. Fashion designer Stella McCartney has agreed to be a figurehead for the event.

To sign up to take part, visit www.fieldofwomen.com

CLICK HERE to see the 2008 Merseyside Women of the Year winners.