The sun is shining on International Women’s Day and we’re marking it here at Blog Preston by asking the women who make up Team BP to explain their inspirations.

Co-editor Kate Rosindale, foodie reviewer Karen Gormley, community journalism intern Sophie Swain and social video intern Ellie Browning are all inspirations to us for the work they do in helping Blog Preston come together each day.

But we wanted to know who is it who inspires them?

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In their own words, here’s the women who inspire our inspiring women – starting with two of the youngest members of our team.

For Sophie and Ellie: “Both of our mum’s inspire us. They put family first, they are so supportive and are the strongest people we know. However, our Preston mum’s – Kate Rosindale and Caroline Hawtin – have also given us so many opportunities. We can go to them with questions big or small and they’re always there to support us with our work!”

And for Karen: “My inspirational woman is Karen Kavanaugh; one of my best friends for nearly forty years who we lost to cancer just over a year ago. She was the bravest, most intelligent and effervescent person I’ve ever met, and she crammed three lifetimes of wisdom and partying into her 53 years. Happy International Women’s Day to the Purple Pixie, and to the millions of other women who have made the world a brighter place for others from the second they entered it to the moment they left it.”

And for our co-editor Kate, who is still blushing from being Sophie and Ellie’s choice: “I met my friend Lynda Moyo in 2001 when I came to Preston to study journalism, and she’s been inspiring me ever since. Lynda pushes for change, constantly challenging inequalities in the news industry and using her influence for good. She’s also kind, resilient, funny and wise – and nobody wears leopard print better!”

How Preston is marking International Women’s Day

A celebration of inspiring women in the city was held earlier this week at the Town Hall with more than 50 women from organisations across the city attending.

The Harris Museum and Art Gallery has been reflecting on the original Lionesses, the Dick, Kerr Ladies and how they pioneered women’s football.

You can also explore all our coverage of the Dick, Kerr Ladies through the years.

While Preston Pulse and the Friends of Edith Rigby have teamed up to tell the story of Preston’s Suffragettes with this history infused video.

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You can explore more about the history of Edith Rigby with our archives and writing.

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