A WOMAN who founded and co-ordinates the Liverpool Signing Choir was today named Daily Post Woman of the Year 2010.
It tops a remarkalble year for Catherine Hegarty who just last month was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
The mother-of-three and gran-of-two, was appointed MBE for services to special needs education.
Catherine, 50, said: "The young people of the choir are a credit to themselves, parents, families, schools, communities and the city of Liverpool. They have done wonders for the deaf community."
Catherine received her award, voted for by Daily Post readers, at a ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in Liverpol One.
Several women were honoured for their achievements in different categories including entrepreneur, community and entertainment.
A Special Award was presented to Pauline Pendleton for her campaign against domestic violence. In 2000 she founded Voice for Change Domestic Violence Support which became a charity two years later.
It is now a well established and respected service supporting victims of domestic violence and working closely with public and voluntary agencies. Pauline has never received payment and continues to inspire her team of volunteers.
Other winners included jewellery designer Benna Harry, singer Connie Lush and senior police officer Alison Foulkes.
There was laughter and tears as host Pauline Daniels introduced the inspirational women who had been nominated and outlined their achievements at the event attended by more than 300 people.
Organiser Jean Gadsby said: "This is the eighth year of these fabulous awards, but the first time that me and my team have run the event.
"We had 75 nominations this year, which is by far the most yet, so it was a really difficult task for the Judges to pick the category winners.
"I am delighted that the public chose Catherine as the overall winner, when I rang her to say that she was nominated, she was in tears on the phone, and said was I sure that I had the right person!
"The fact that she received an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, makes her achievement even more exceptional.
"She is a most worthy winner, and I am sure that she will go on to do more fantastic things." The Liverpool Daily Post sponsors the awards and editor Mark Thomas paid tribute to the women honoured.
He said: "The Liverpool Daily Post is extremely proud to be involved once again in these awards, which recognise the achievements of such remarkable women."
Money raised from the event will be shared between Wirral Autistic Society and the Merseyside Police and High Sheriffs Charitable Fund.
