TOO OFTEN, hard work and commitment to making improvements can go unrecognised, but the Sue Ryder Southern Women of Achievement Awards hopes to put these people in the limelight.

This year nine "amazing women" have been shortlisted for the charity’s awards which celebrate their achievements across categories such as achievements in education, in the community, in services, in sport and in business.

Sue Ryder community fundraiser Margaret Thomas said: “We would like to commend all the amazing women who have been nominated.

“There are some truly remarkable stories and brilliant achievements among them.

“Every single one of our nominees is most definitely deserving of recognition - the awards ceremony will be such an inspiring event.”

The awards celebrate women from across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire who have ‘achieved amazing success and stand out as a role model’.

The shortlist, made up of almost 70 nominees, has been whittled down by judges from hundreds of entries and they will now decide on the winners to be announced at a sparkling awards ceremony on Friday, February 16.

One of the nominees shortlisted for an award in education achievements is Hilary Wainer, from East Oxford.

The teacher and music therapist is co-founder of Oxford-based Tacpac which works on improving communication through touch and music.

The organisation has created a ‘Tactile Approach to Communication pack’ for sensory awareness and works with teachers, parents and NHS staff to provide training.

Ms Wainer said: “I am amazed, I couldn’t believe it when I heard I was shortlisted, it is something I do between my job as part of the inclusion team at the Oxfordshire County Council.

“So Tacpac comes in during the evenings and weekends because I am passionate about people being able to access communication easily.

“It is taking off and to have someone recognise those hours of hard work late into the night is so encouraging.

“It is nice our small team of four has been recognised, to me we have already won by making the shortlist.”

The awards, sponsored by Invesco Perpetual, CH&Co and Higgs Group, will be held Friday, February 16, at Reading Town Hall.

Ms Thomas added: “These awards raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Hospices so please do support us by getting your tickets for our black tie celebration.”

For more on the awards, click here