On Friday 2nd December we were delighted to host our first annual dinner at, Rookery Hall in Nantwich, to help raise funds to support our mission and improve women’s safety in our local community.

WPS Founders Ken and Amaka Lawton

It was an incredible turn out from businesses and volunteers to celebrate the successes of 2022 and look forward to the year ahead. Attendees included Cheshire East Mayor David Marren and Cheshire High Sheriff Jeannie France-Hayhurst.

Ken and Amaka Lawton with Cheshire East Mayor David Marren and Cheshire High Sheriff Jeannie France-Hayhurst

Everyone enjoyed a night filled with incredible music from The Function Band, food and dancing. Our special guest speaker Cathy O’Dowd, the first woman to climb Everest from both sides, spoke of how teamwork helped her overcome challenges on her expedition.

Guest speaker Cathy O’Dowd

There was an opportunity to win some incredible prizes in our auction, with donations from local businesses that included an overnight stay at Rookery Hall, Crewe Hall spa day, tickets to see comedian Jon Richardson and a Jepsons designer clothing voucher.

Auction prizes donated by local businesses

Ken Lawton said: “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors who made the night possible and to all those who attended.

“We are busy gathering in all the proceeds but to date the night has made a tremendous £7,400.

“In this cost of living crisis we know people don’t have bottomless pockets so to welcome some 150 people was truly humbling and demonstrates the ground swell of support there is for making society safer for women and girls.”

Amaka Lawton and WPS volunteers 

Following on from the success of the free self defence courses and taxi marshals over the Christmas period, there are plans to introduce SOS personal alarms and WPS Street Angels to protect vulnerable people at night.

Other key aims that were revealed at the dinner for 2023 include the introduction of Ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities and an education package and theatre production, instilling good behaviour and respect towards women from a young age.

Amaka Lawton said: “I have been truly heartened to see so many people want to bring about change by attending our meetings and joining us as volunteers over the past few months.”

If you missed out, or just want to re-live the evening, watch our video of the night here.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us to get involved with our events and improve women’s safety in our local community!