Women's success stories push charity closer to £40,000 target

An Olympic medalist, a Police and Crime Commissioner and a Member of Parliament were among the inspirational women who shared their success stories at an event to celebrate women's achievements and to help a charity for abuse survivors in its campaign to reach an ambitious £40,000 fundraising target.

Hosted by BBC Newcastle's Anna Foster, the Her Story event took place at the Tyne Bank Brewery and featured female speakers from a wide range of industries, including politics, sport, the entertainment sector, fashion and STEM.

The audience was bowled over by a series of unique and personal stories from an eclectic group of women, including Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Dame Vera Baird, Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah and Olympic medalist Debbie Flood.

The event was the latest fundraising initiative in an ambitious campaign to raise £40,000 for Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland in its 40th anniversary year.

The line-up of speakers also included Julia Austin (founder of Tyne Bank Brewery); cosmetic scientist Florence Adepoju (founder of MDMflow); Teleica Kirkland (founder of Costume Institute of the African Diaspora); Laura Currer (sexual violence activist); Francesca Martinez (comedian and activist); and Kymberlee Jay, an award-winning dancer, choreographer, coach and athlete.

Internationally-acclaimed artist and illustrator Miss Led produced a portrait of each of the speakers and created the commemorative programme for the event.

Dame Vera Baird said : “Women in our region are achieving great things – whether it be in the world of business, politics or sport, we should be proud of the positive difference that women are making to our region and beyond."

She added that she was "delighted" to be involved in the event, especially as it raised money for "a fantastic local charity", Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, "ensuring they can continue delivering an excellent service”.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Further events this year to raise funds towards Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland's £40,000 appeal include:

* Comedy on International Men’s Day, Sunday 19 November, 7pm, The Stand.

Ticket price, £15, line-up to be revealed. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/comedy-night-for-rape-crisis-tyneside-and-northumberland-tickets-42365704964

* Christmas Party, Friday 30 November, 7pm, Assembly Rooms.

£32 per person, for three course meal, half bottle of wine, live music, ceilidh. Tickets are only £25 per person when booking a table for 10 people. Tickets available now. https://christmasrctn.eventbrite.co.uk