This International Women’s Day I wanted to use my platform as an MP to celebrate the work of inspirational women in West Berkshire. All three women have overcome significant obstacles to achieve great things and their success is as much about their courage as their tenacity in the face of adversity. From Louise Sugden - who had to deal with disability and rejection from her preferred sport - before becoming a Paralympic medallist; to Alison Atkinson - who went from being a mum in Beenham (albeit with an engineering background) to working her way up AWE to the very top in what was then a male-dominated environment, and is now probably the most senior woman in the nuclear sector in the UK; to Rachel Waller who had to overcome the ultimate tragedy - the suicide of her son - to found and develop the Charlie Waller Trust which is now an important national charity for mental health.
It was a privilege to tell their stories through this film and I feel so proud to represent such brilliant and brave women and you can watch it in full here: