TWO MORAY WOMEN have been honoured with their names added to the 2016 list of Women of Inspiration by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB).
Alison Kearney and Lucy Lintott were nominated by Moray Business Women’s Club (MBWC) in recognition of their outstanding achievements in very different ways.
Alison set up the MBWC ten years ago and the club has gone on to be an overwhelming success since, while Lucy successfully raised £100,000 through ‘Lucy’s Fight’, her campaign on behalf of the MND Scotland launched after she was diagnosed with the condition in 2013.
On learning of her nomination through an email, Alison said she did not believe it: “I knew nothing about the nomination until I received an email for the ASB. To start with, I actually thought it was a hoax or some kind of scam. As I realised that it was genuine, I wondered what I had done to be nominated.”
Head of Business Growth with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Alison was nominated for her work in setting up MBWC and for her commitment over the years.
She set up the club after identifying a need, explaining: “At the time there were no clubs for women, so I thought I would just set up my own. I contacted about 30 women that I thought it would appeal to and 16 turned up to the first meeting.
“That formed the first committee and the club has never looked back and there must still be need for it as it’s growing.”
Speaking of her honour, Alison added: “It means so much because it has come from my peers. To be nominated by local people and to then get that recognition nationally is something.
“I have had so many kind comments and well-wishers, I just want to thank everyone who has taken the time to get in touch.”
Lucy’s nomination came after her drive and determination to raise her £100,000 target while fighting MND came to the attention of the MBWC – who chose her cause as their charity of choice last year.
After being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2013, Lucy’s bucket list challenges including raising the funds for MND Scotland – and her target was pushed towards its goal with a £9,000 donation from MBWC.
Speaking of her Inspirational Woman nomination she said: “It feels unreal, I can’t believe it and I’m so honoured that people thought of me.
“It reassures me that I’m doing the right thing and I took the right path. Although I have reached my £100,000 target, I’ll carry on raising awareness and funds.”