THE WOI LUNCH 2005: NAME YOUR SUPERWOMAN

Feb 6 2005

Who do you think should win the awards for top Scottish females.. amazing individuals who've excelled in their fields

By Natasha Weale

IT'S the most glamorous lunch in Scotland.

For the last four years the Women of Influence Awards have attracted the country's top women - and a few very brave men - to come together with the charity NCH Scotland to help our most vulnerable children.

They include women from the worlds of entertainment, business, media, politics and public service.

And this year they want your help in choosing who are Scotland's most influential women.

The lunch, on March 6 at The Barony Hall in Glasgow, will be their biggest and best yet, with the guest list including Jenni Falconer, Gabby Logan, Sarah Heaney, Blythe Duff and Simone Lahbib.

Last year's Woman of Influence, Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson, will also be there, along with previous winners Ann Gloag and Solicitor General Elish Angiolini.

Your nominee could be your mum, a friend or business partner - ordinary women who have excelled in their profession and achieved extraordinary things.

All you need to do is tell us about that special someone you think deserves to be honoured.

In sport, there are obvious contenders such as double Olympic gold medal- winning yachtswoman Shirley Robertson.

But it could just as easily be your sister or friend who has reached new heights in her chosen sport.

In business, Lloyds TSB Scotland Chief Executive Susan Rice is in the frame but do you know someone just as deserving?

When it comes to medicine and health, do you know a carer who has changed the face of your community or a selfless nurse who has gone beyond the call of duty?

Maybe you'll vote for anti-smoking campaigner Maureen Moore?

For the politics and law category the field is wide open. It could be Sunday Mail columnist Rosie Kane MSP, or deputy SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon.

And in media and arts, broadcaster Kirsty Wark must be a contender. The same goes for Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling or council arts chief Bridget McConnell. But if you know someone closer to home who you think fits the bill then why not nominate them?

The event started in 2001, when a group of Scotland's most successful businesswomen joined forces with NCH Scotland to raise much-needed funds for the charity's work.

Last year, the lunch raised more than £110,000. The WOI committee's sterling efforts also netted them the Sunday Mail's Great Scot charity award last year.

Tessa Hartmann, who took over from last year's WOI chairwoman Mary Gorman, said: 'Though the years we've coaxed, cajoled and just plain bullied some of the country's biggest names to donate generously to this great cause.'

Helen Quigley, NCH Scotland manager said: 'Each committee member volunteers their time, which is significant given the scope of the event and despite having full-time jobs and families.'

The committee's powers of persuasion are legendary - they convinced Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders to create a T-shirt last year and talked Richard Branson into giving them free flights.

Each year, they also convince top chefs to volunteer their time, effort and catering free. This year's food will be provided by Glasgow restaurants St. Jude's and Rococo, as well as Edinburgh's The Hallion club.

The event this year will be extra special, with NCH celebrating its 50th anniversary. It's also the fifth WOI event.

To have your voice heard and your Woman of Influence 2005 nominee considered, fill in the form on the left.

The final five nominees will be invited to this year's lunch, where Lady Marie Stubbs, portrayed by Julie Walters in the ITV drama Ahead of the Class, will be the guest speaker.

Other supporters include Sunday Mail columnist Elaine C. Smith and film maker Carol McGregor - actor Ewan's mum.

NCH, the children's charity, work with more children and young people, including those affected by poverty, disability and abuse than any other UK charity. For more information, visit www.nch.org.uk/woi