ON International Women’s Day, we look back on the stories we’ve covered of inspiring women in our area.
From overcoming cancer to donating organs and saving lives, St Helens Borough is nothing short of inspiring women, deserving of recognition.
Here are five stories featured in the Star of inspiring women in the borough.
Donna Smith
An inspiring woman who pursued her dream following a life-changing diagnosis is Donna Smith.
Donna had been battling with breast cancer since her stage two diagnosis in 2020, with the uncertainty and complications of the initial lockdown an added strain.
She went through a series of chemotherapy treatments and has since recovered.
During this difficult period and a nationwide lockdown, the mum-of-four revisited her passion for baking cakes.
Soon after, she set up her very own business, Cake Break, and still supplies tasty treats around Newton-le-Willows and surrounding areas.
Caroline Lyon
Another woman to celebrate on International Women’s Day is Caroline Lyon.
Caroline, from St Helens, passed away in 2021 at the age of 60, and following her death, she donated her organs to save two other lives.
Her daughter Katie Johnson had said that her mum "didn't hesitate when asked about donating her organs."
Katie received the Order of St John award for organ donation on behalf of Caroline last year in recognition of her life-saving gift, with the proud daughter now calling on others to become an organ donor.
Marie McCourt
Marie McCourt, well-known for her dedicated work to support families of victims following the murder of her daughter Helen, was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
Helen McCourt was abducted and murdered by pub landlord Ian Simms in 1988 at the age of 22.
Following the death of her daughter, Marie, 79, campaigned for five years to have a new law brought in that would prevent killers who do not reveal the location of their victims’ bodies from being released.
Simms, who died last year, was released on licence in February 2020 before the law came into force.
Her work was recognised as she was awarded an MBE, with Marie glad to have been able to “make things better” for the families of other murder victims who have been through similar ordeals.
'Pool of Life' - breast cancer survivors
Last May, a group of twenty breast cancer survivors met with clinicians, surgeons, and nurses in Liverpool to celebrate their recovery.
The women from the ‘Pool of Life’ group took part in a sporting event, which saw them participate in dragon boat racing.
The activity had been a great exercise to assist them in their recovery while meeting other people who have been through similar situations.
Breast cancer survivors also shared their personal stories at the event, with the women described as being a “great example”.
Kerrie Ann Lomas
A woman determined to end the stigma of discussing health issues is Kerrie Ann Lomas.
Kerrie from Newton-le-Willows went viral back in 2017 for her cover of ‘Listen’ by Beyonce, with the young mum receiving thousands of views and offers to perform at local events, including the Earlestown Christmas Lights Switch-on.
Amidst countless gigs, Kerrie was suffering from endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a long-term condition that affects individuals of any age where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, namely the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Symptoms include heavy periods, pain during sex, constipation, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Following her diagnosis of the condition, Kerrie wanted to share her experience to raise awareness of the condition, encourage others who may experience symptoms to get checked and normalise endometriosis.
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