Congratulations to Kelley Martin, winner of the inaugural New Zealand Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award!


Winner Kelley Martin with Sido Kitchin, editor of the New Zealand Woman's Weekly

Penguin Group (NZ) and Lesley Pearse wish to say 'thank you' to everyone who sent in a nomination for the award. The judging process was incredibly difficult, with so many spirited and inspirational women being put forward as candidates. After the five finalists were selected Lesley named the the winner as Kelley Martin, whose amazing story had moved her to tears.

Kelley is a brave young woman who has endured multiple operations to mend a very broken body after a car accident 11 years ago.  Despite doctors and specialists telling her she would never walk normally again, Kelley refused to give up hope and worked tirelessly at her rehabilitation. She has since amazed all who know her and her story by realising her dream and opening a dance studio in Auckland.

Kelley will be travelling to London next month to meet with Lesley, and we wish her all the best for her trip and the continuing success of her studio.

The Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award comes to New Zealand for the first time in 2010. 

Bestselling author Lesley Pearse joined forces with Penguin in the UK to launch this annual award in 2006. Their vision was to recognise the heroines among us who often go unnoticed — ordinary women who show extraordinary strength and dedication in their everyday lives.
 
This year, Lesley Pearse, New Zealand Women's Weekly and Penguin Group (NZ) invite you to nominate a New Zealand woman you know who deserves to be called a Woman of Courage. She doesn’t need to have scaled mountains or leaped tall buildings in a single bound — we’re looking for someone who inspires others in the way she lives her everyday life. She might be a woman who has suffered hard knocks and battled on with a smile on her face. Or perhaps she has dedicated all her time and resources to making things better for others. This is your opportunity to shine the spotlight on your family member, friend, workmate or neighbour and give her the recognition she deserves.
 
Five finalists will be chosen from your entries in May 2010, and Lesley herself will select the inaugural New Zealand Woman of Courage. The winner and a friend will be flown to London for five nights in June to enjoy a lunch event where Lesley will present the winner with a framed certificate and $500 worth of Penguin books. Penguin will also donate $500 to a charity of the winner’s choice. The four runners-up will each receive a framed certificate and $200 worth of Penguin books.