This year's Inspiring Women Awards will be postponed until 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The annual ceremony, which usually takes place in the spring, is dedicated to Redcar and Cleveland's unsung heroines who make a difference within their community.
Every year, people submit their nomination for a woman who has gone above and beyond in different categories including business, volunteering, young women under 18, and more. The overall winner on the day is awarded with the Mo Mowlam Award.
The event has been postponed due to the current Covid-19 pandemic and the uncertainty around how long certain restrictions will be in place.
Ruth Fox, Chair of the Inspiring Women Awards and Founder of Footprints in the Community, said: “We are of course very sad that we have had to take the decision to postpone the ceremony, as there have been countless individuals in Redcar and Cleveland who have gone above and beyond to help their communities during this pandemic. But we anticipate that these very necessary restrictions may be in place for some time and we must put people's health and safety first."
Though the ceremony part of the project will not be going ahead this year, the steering group are determined to continue the work shadowing side of the project for school pupils in years 9 and 10. Under normal circumstances, pupils would spend a day with a leading woman in business, politics or media, but due to the current restrictions and the need for safety, virtual shadowing will take place instead.
Ruth said: “We are keen to deliver the work shadowing opportunities for pupils in years 9 and 10, who have had a very difficult year with schools closing and exams being cancelled. We will be working closely with schools to ensure this goes ahead so something positive can come out of the project this year."
Julie Donaldson, who hosted the event every year and won the Volunteer Award in 2018, sadly passed away last year after a battle with coronavirus.
“It was devastating to lose Julie, who played such an important role in the Inspiring Women project and in the wider community," Ruth explained. “We will be looking for ways to honour her memory as a permanent legacy for the project going forward."
Councillor Mary Lanigan, Leader of Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said: “This ceremony has recognised all kinds of women from our community over the years, and though it's sad there won't be a ceremony this year, I can completely understand that people's safety must come first.
“Julie Donaldson will be so missed. She provided such wonderful entertainment at the event for many people, including her famous selfies which brought everyone together. She touched the lives of so many people, and hopefully next year we can all come together and celebrate the Inspiring Woman she was."
Nominations for this year's awards will be carried over into 2022.