From fighting cancer... to inspirational woman of the year

Saturday 07 March 2020

A “selfless” charity supporter whose own fight with breast cancer spurred her on to help others has been named Jersey's most inspiring woman.

Cheryle Raphael received the accolade of Jersey's Inspiring Woman of the Year due to her "determined” charitable contributions as Chair of After Breast Cancer, as the island gears up for a weekend of 'fem-powering' events.

Held by Jersey Women’s Refuge – a local charity which aims to protect and empower women and children affected by domestic abuse – the awards are designed to celebrate female achievements in the island.

This year, 14 women were nominated for the accolade and a judging panel – made up of Refuge Chair Ben Robins, Chief Operating Officer at Barclays Eileen Fitzgerald, last year’s winner Anna Goncalves, and the President Soroptimist International Jersey Catherine Kirkby – whittled the candidates down to three finalists.

These included Cheryle, Chair of the NSPCC in Jersey Nicola Santos-Costa, and a promoter of positive body image for mothers Joana Cerqueira.  

Ultimately the panel chose Cheryle as this year’s winner. Of her contributions, organisers of the awards said: “Although facing her own fight with breast cancer, Cheryle chaired the After Breast Cancer charity for five-and-a-half years, during which time the profile of this important charity has gone from strength to strength.

“She remains a ‘hands on’ charity supporter and notwithstanding her own personal struggles, a selfless and supportive friend to many… She has been selfless and determined in her long-term charitable contribution; she is making a significant difference to the lives of others facing the same fight."

Adding to this, Mr Robins said: “It was both inspiring to read through so many nominations for amazing women and an incredibly challenging task to identify a winner when they are all so deserving. 

“Cheryle’s dedication to support others despite her own personal difficult circumstances demonstrates great resilience and generosity of spirit. She is truly inspirational.” 

The announcement kicks off an entire weekend of International Women’s Day events in the island. 

The Jersey Fire and Rescue Service is hosting a ‘Give it a go’ taster session to recognise the ‘fem-powering’ date in the calendar.  

Pictured: Crew Commander Georgina Hopkins (Jersey Fire and Rescue Service).

Women are invited to the station at Rouge Bouillon on Sunday (8 March) from 10:00-13:00 for an interactive morning of climbing ladders, crawling through tunnels, trying out a casualty drag and sliding down the pole! 

Speaking about what it’s like to be a firefighter, Crew Commander Georgina Hopkins said: “For me, it’s the best job in the world. You never know what’s coming next and there are lots of different jobs available within the service. I have gained a wealth of knowledge since joining, and I want to share my enthusiasm, knowledge and experience with other women.” 

There will also be female representatives from the Police, Prison Service Customs and Immigration on hand to talk about their roles and responsibilities.

Community café Common Ground is also hosting an International Women’s Day market to showcase female artists’ and makers’ work with live music from Kacey Hacquoil and Cindy Marques. There will also be food and drink available.

Exhibiting at the show on Sunday 10:00 until 15:00 are: Abi Overland, Kota Candles, Lauren Radley, Sheila des Caux, Purple Panda, Coorie, Kindalin Books, Harriet and Rose gifts, Bangbang.

The women-appreciating events continue into next week with the Jersey Library’s delving into the BBC archive to screen some footage on women’s issues from the 1970’s and 1980’s.  

At the event on Monday (9 March) between 17:30 and 20:00, they will also be screening an episode of ‘The Novels that Shaped Our World’ which explores the place of women in fiction.

Pictured top: The three finalists for the Inspirational Woman of the Year award 2020. (Robbie Dark)