We take a look at 23 remarkable women from Lancashire who refused to sit and be quiet, deciding instead to challenge stereotypes and shattering the glass ceiling of what is expected.
19. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
When she's not juggling deadlines and breaking news of the top stories across the north west, editor of the Lancashire Evening Post and Blackpool Gazette Vanessa Sims is negotiating bedtimes with her three children. Photo: UGC
20. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Laura Nuttall from Barrowford in Lancashire did not let a terminal cancer diagnosis stop her from ticking off an impressive bucket list before her death aged 23. Diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, Nuttall said she had chosen “to do something about it and stay positive” when she was given only 12 months to live in 2018. However, she went on to work her way through a list of ambitions, which saw her meet Michelle Obama, command a Royal Navy ship, graduate from the University of Manchester and present the weather on BBC North West Tonight. The Be More Laura Foundation donated to The Brain Tumour Charity £25,000 to help fund clinical trials in memory of Laura Nuttall. Photo: UGC
21. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday (8 March), Northern is turning the spotlight on the women who work for one of the UK’s biggest train operators. Lauren Pugh is a driver based in Blackburn. The 35-year-old is a former British Transport Police officer who joined Northern as a driver seven years ago, so she could take on a new challenge and spend more time with her children. She said most of her colleagues are men but there “is no divide” and she is always encouraging other women to consider a career in rail. She said: “Go for it. When I joined, I didn’t even know how my car radiator worked." Photo: UGC
22. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Linzi Whitby is a conductor based in Sheffield. The 39-year-old worked as a customer adviser at a bank before she joined Northern six years ago. She said: “It is a male dominated industry and was a bit daunting at first, but I’ve had no issues whatsoever. It’s been brilliant. There are also more women than you’d think and more have joined over the years I have been here. I've never felt intimidated or threatened in the workplace because there are loads of men here.” Photo: UGC
23. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Angela Davey is a conductor based in Blackburn. The 44-year-old joined Northern in 2020, after working as a flight attendant for 18 years. The mother-of-two said she had seen other workers join the rail industry as there are a number of transferable skills. She said: “Northern just happened to be recruiting. I thought ‘you know, what, I'll give it a go’ and was lucky to get a position in Blackburn. It's still male dominated in terms of the numbers, but I think since I've been here it's changed dramatically.” Photo: UGC
24. International Women's Day: 24 inspirational women from Lancashire
Shanice Lent is a trainee driver based in York. The 30-year-old worked at the kid’s club on Royal Caribbean cruise ships before joining Northern and she began her driver training after working as a conductor for four years. She is due to qualify in September. She said: "The training quite intense, but I’m loving it. I’m really interested in what I’m learning and quite passionate about it. If I’m in control of a 200-tonne train then I want to know how everything works. I think it's really important that women get into these roles so there is more representation. I feel like when people see me as a driver, especially younger girls, they feel like they can do the job too.” Photo: UGC