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Celebrating 10 of Stourbridge's most inspirational women

10 WOMEN from Stourbridge have been named as the first winners of an award to mark International Women's Day. The 'Sisters of Stourbridge' were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community as part of a new award introduced by Stourbridge MP Cat Eccles. Their names were read out in parliament last week (March 6) by the MP in a speech commemorating International Women's Day. The winners, which included a schoolteacher, a drug and alcohol abuse worker and a campaigner against domestic abuse among other inspirational women, had been nominated for the award by members of the local Stourbridge Community. Nine of the 10 'Sisters of Stourbridge' attended a celebration tea at Ten Steps Coffee Lounge in Brierley Hill on Saturday (March 8). At the tea, MP Cat Eccles said: 'I was amazed at how many nominations were sent in – selecting our 10 winners was really tough. 'But the ones we picked are incredible. They've really contributed to our community, from making our area cleaner to campaigning on an issue as serious as domestic abuse. 'Each and every one of our Sisters of Stourbridge is an inspiration for future generations.' The first 10 'Sisters of Stourbridge' are: Chloe Cox Chloe is an English teacher at Ridgewood High School who returned to the classroom after surviving a life-threatening brain tumour. Pupils and colleagues alike are 'so happy' to see her back and described her resilience as inspiring. Mandy Hobbis Mandy Hobbis (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Mandy campaigns 'tirelessly' for road safety laws to protect cats ensuring they are treated with the same respect as dogs. Kate Cooke Kate Cooke (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Kate overcame a stroke to become a HR Manager at Emmiera Group in Brierley Hill. She has developed two programmes to help young people on to the employment ladder. Judith Moreland Judith Moreland (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Judith is a leader in the arts, from keeping her In Sound Company Community Choir alive since 2012 to performing at prestigious events like Community Spirit at Symphony Hall and the Commonwealth Games. Her dedication has fostered growth, inclusivity and perseverance, especially through lockdown. Rosemary Taylor Rosemary Taylor (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Rosemary is in her 80s but still goes out in all weathers with her trolley, litter picking in the area, including along the canal. She was described by thankful constituents as a 'force of nature' who does so much to keep the area clean. Heather Cruickshanks Heather Cruickshanks (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Heather runs a Rainbow unit and helps the Guides and Trefoil Guild. She turns 80 this year and has been described by locals as an 'amazing woman'. Elsie Gayle Elsie Gayle (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Elsie campaigns to improve maternal care for black women in the UK. She is a 'driving force' behind the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Black Maternal Health. Emma Kilbride Emma is raising 'vital funds' for Mary Stevens Hospice through her Stourbridge Jigsaw Library, which in just 15 months has raised £26,500. Anji Burford Anji Burford (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Anji is supporting local people with drug and alcohol addiction at Atlantic House. Anji fights daily for service users, has 'exceptional' relationships with police looking to help lower local crime rates, works 'tirelessly' to support our homeless community and has endless meetings to keep the children in the local area safe. Samantha Billingham Samantha Billingham (Image: Cat Eccles MP) Samantha is a 'fierce' campaigner for domestic abuse survivors. Samantha's work reminds us that true gender parity is impossible while women still live in fear.