Seven Halton Women Named Queens As Annual Awards Draw Nearly 200 Nominations

Fortuna Female Society celebrates the women changing their community at a full house at DCBL Stadium Halton

Seven women from across Halton were named Queens at the annual Queens of Halton Awards, held at DCBL Stadium Halton on Friday 19th June 2026. They were chosen from just under 200 nominations across seven categories, the strongest response in the awards’ history.

The awards are organised by Halton women’s charity Fortuna Female Society, whose mission is to tackle social isolation and create community for women across Widnes and Runcorn. The charity’s strapline says it plainly: Connect, Rise and Thrive.

The evening was hosted by celebrant Kirstie Atherton. The Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, opened proceedings. The Mayor has named Fortuna Female Society as one of her two chosen charities for her 2026/27 mayoral year.

Fortuna Female Society founder Laura Bevan said:

“We were absolutely blown away by this year’s entries. As in previous years, we cannot thank the Jo Cox Foundation enough for helping us recognise and celebrate our very worthy winners.

“We have once again been amazed by the incredible work being carried out by women across Halton, in workplaces, in communities and beyond. The passion, dedication and positive impact of these women is truly inspiring.

“This year felt particularly poignant as we remembered Jo Cox MP for Batley and Spen, ten years on from her tragic murder, and paid tribute to her powerful More in Common message. Her legacy continues to remind us of the importance of kindness, community and celebrating the people who make a difference every day.”

All seven winners were chosen independently by the Jo Cox Foundation.

The 2026 Queens of Halton Award Winners

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 are now in their third year at DCBL Stadium Halton. Entry was free, as it always will be. Removing barriers to attendance matters to Fortuna Female Society, and that is made possible by the generosity of its sponsors.

Principal sponsor of the evening was Regent Business Club. Further support came from table sponsor Emris Services, booklet sponsor Halton Business Investment and Growth Team, and the category sponsors listed alongside each award above.

Guests were welcomed by the dancing disco ballhead greeters from Alibi Productions. Following the awards, the celebration continued with chip butties, a raffle, and live music from the Sax Pistols.

All photos credit: Little Wonderland Photography used with permission.