Inspirational Dawn is recognised for her work

She joined at the age of 11 – and since then has taken on many roles including as guide leader, divisional international adviser and district commissioner.

Despite working full time, Dawn, from Pudsey, takes charge of Guides and Rainbows two or three evenings a week, and arranges and supervises guide camps. She also fundraises to help keep her local group active – and to ensure that Guides are able to travel abroad to visit other associations.

Now she has been recognised for the support and pride she has instilled in the many Guides who have come under her care. Dawn has been nominated in the Sue Ryder Yorkshire Women of Achievement awards in the Community Impact category.

This category recognises women who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community. “I was gobsmacked and humbled to hear I’d been nominated,” said Dawn. She became a volunteer with the Guides as a way of keeping busy. But I enjoy it so much. I particularly enjoy seeing the girls blossom and dare to challenge themselves. We encourage them to do something a little bit different, like wall climbing, and they gain so much confidence.”

About to celebrate its 30th year, the 2016 awards are still open for nominations to find inspirational women not just in the Community section but in the categories of Business, Education, Sport, Young Achiever of the Year, and the Jane Tomlinson Award for Courage.

Sue Ryder’s Women of Achievement Awards are one of Yorkshire’s most celebrated regional events. Each year, the charity spends £9 million on providing vital care for people with incurable diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s, and heart disease. Funding in Yorkshire supports Sue Ryder’s Wheatfields Hospice, Manorlands Hospice, Holme Hall and community care services across the region.