13/10/2026
I rarely post anything on Facebook about myself, (particularly on the Snowdrop page) but I just had to today - yesterday, following an unexpected invitation a few months ago, which I gratefully accepted, I spent the day with the most remarkable, inspiring, incredible women at the Women of the Year awards in London.
I didn’t know what to expect; what the day would look like, where I would sit or who I would talk to, but once I arrived at The Royal Lancaster Hotel, I was immediately welcomed as strangers talked easily to strangers - sharing the reason they were present.
There were campaigners for reform to laws, entrepreneurs, a charity set up to help children who had suffered from COVID and subsequently struggling with mental health issues and health problems, another amazing woman who was providing support for children with a parent in prison... so many stories.
The "Women of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award" was awarded to Prue Leith, who then regaled us with stories from her life as a chef (the first woman ever appointed to the British Railway Board, overhauling the board's catering services) and so much more - I thought I was the oldest person in the room but Prue is an amazing 86!
Gisèle Pelicot received the Woman of Courage Award and was greeted with a hugely moving, extended standing ovation. There was equally heartfelt recognition for the wives of rugby players affected by Motor Neurone Disease, whose tireless campaigning is helping to secure vital support and research for those living with this devastating condition.
Professor Dame Lesley Reagan DBE is globally renowned expert for gynaecology and the first Women’s Health Ambassador for England. She talked about the gender health gap and how she is striving to improve services for women across the board.
My photograph is with Jo Baring, a member of the Nominating Council, former Director of Christie’s and now Director of the Ingram Collection of Modern British and Contemporary Art. Jo is also an author, and her popular podcast series, Sculpting Lives, was named The Guardian’s Podcast of the Week and recognised by The Times as a leading arts podcast. She is also pictured with Gisèle Pelicot.
Jo grew up in West Sussex, and has just published her book 𝘛𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘮: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘜𝘯𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦, she also works with charities and schools to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fall in love with art. She is such an inspiration.
I suspect that every woman in that room went home buzzing, feeling uplifted, inspired and immensely proud to have been invited, and part of such a special occasion. I certainly did.
And as the Co-founder of The Sussex Snowdrop Trust, it was particularly moving to be surrounded by so many amazing women who have used their own experiences, concerns and passions, to change the lives of so many other people.
Di Levantine
