North Devon women celebrated at West Country Women Awards

North Devon women were among those honoured at the West Country Women Awards, held on 28 November 2024 at the Crowne Plaza in Plymouth. 

The event, which celebrated achievements across 16 categories, drew more than 360 attendees from across the South West.

Local healthcare professional Rhea Crighton was named Employee of the Year. 

As the Lead Gynaeoncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Rhea was recognised for her dedication to supporting patients and their families through challenging journeys. 

Accepting her award, she shared how the role honours a promise made to her late friend, who passed away from a rare form of cancer.

Two other North Devon women earned Runner-Up titles: Alex Kelly of WayMakers in the Diversity & Equality category and Alison Savory of One Acupuncture in the Health & Wellbeing category. 

Alison, who was appointed Ambassador for the Awards in North Devon in 2024, expressed her enthusiasm: “I am absolutely thrilled for the recognition and celebration of outstanding women in our North Devon community.”

The Health & Wellbeing category featured further North Devon representation, with Louise Barraclough (Royal Devon University NHS Foundation Trust) as a finalist and Sabrina Maines-Blatherwick (Litchdon Medical Centre) as a semi-finalist. 

Samantha Hastings of North Devon Hog Roast also reached semi-finalist status in the Women in Food & Drink category.

The West Country Women Awards held their inaugural North Devon event in June 2024, hosting an Afternoon Tea at Castle Hill in Filleigh. 

The gathering brought together one hundred women from across North Devon, where co-founders and directors Alexis Bowater OBE and Tess Stuber presented the Awards program. 

The Countess of Arran welcomed attendees, after which HM The Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, spoke about the King’s Awards. 

The awards, hosted by co-founders Alexis Bowater OBE and Tess Stuber, highlight excellence across sectors, from business to community contributions. 

This year, a charity auction raised over £7,000 for Gifted Women, supporting women rebuilding their lives after challenges such as homelessness and substance misuse.

The evening’s special guests included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Stevens MBE and Devon’s High Sheriff Commodore Jake Moores. 

Headline sponsors Plymouth Citybus and Headline Production sponsors PL1 Events were joined by category sponsors and judges MSubs, Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Continuum, Womble Bond Dickinson, Ian Williams, Michael Spiers Jewellery, The Franchise Consultant, Plymouth City Council’s The Plymouth Charter, Genius PR & Events, Kaya Gallery, Andrew Hill Salon, Cavanna Homes, Vivobarefoot, Axford & Heaton and South West Water.

Cornwall Chamber, Somerset Chamber, Exeter Chamber, Dartmouth & District Chamber were also championed on the night.

Event series sponsors of the awards The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Losing the Wires were also said to have been instrumental to the success of recognising women, as well as awards night sponsors: Baker Estates, Azets Accountants, KOR Communications, Babcock and Clear Support.

Plymouth Gin, Poppy Jakes Photography, The Printing Press, South West Boutique Events, Devonia Spring Water, Ocean City Media and Steve Haywood helped to make the evening a triumphant success.

And West Country Women Awards Ambassadors Trish Caller, Jo Lines, Cristina Axford, Clare Palmer and Alison Savory were also recognised and celebrated at the event.