We`re delighted to announce Amentum sponsored Cumbria Women of the Year 2023 is Anna Gorst from Arnside – awards for her inspirational work with the Ukrainian Community.
When Ukraine was invaded by Russia Anna decided something needed to be done to help those caught up in the conflict. Like the rest of us she watched from afar wondering how much a Cumbrian Women could do on her own. Anna knew she might need a little help so she appealed on social media and her neighbours and friends stepped forward to help her achieve her challenge of finding a safe place in her community for those fleeing their homes in Ukraine to live. Caring Anna has since ,matched Ukrainians with locals, overseen dozens of visa applications and helped to fundraise to bring refuges to the country.
Her village of Arnside became know as the “kindest” in the UK by welcoming those in need. The village has features on national TV and in national newspapers too.
Anna is a force of nature. She has an idea which grew into a national news story. What she has achieved in the past 18 months is incredible and has made an immense difference to so many lives which is why Anna has been chosen as our Cumbria Women of the Year 2023.