Anthony, Sue and Jen Blackwell

With synapses zapping, buzzing, and fizzing all week, perhaps I might be forgiven for indulging in a tingling sensation of pride.  It is incredibly special to be determined the most worthy recipient from amongst notable others of the Lifetime Achievement Award at Best Business Women Awards.

Thank you again to you Debbie and your judges and sponsors for creating this awards event where in spite of coming from totally different experiences in life, we share the same values of fairness, equity, and inclusion, where people are people because we are all human beings.

“This lady is an inspiration to us all. Her determination knows no bounds and the growth of this incredible business and charity is wonderful. Sue’s commitment to encouraging those who are often sidelined by their disabilities is very impressive. Her commitment to those she supports has been steadfast and unwavering. So many have benefitted from her charity including her own daughter.” said the judges

Thank you too to every person who has bestowed messages of congratulations for being the gold winner of this award, all of which have contributed to my inner glow as Malcolm and I have indulged and challenged ourselves on and in the caldera of Gran Canaria this week.

Thank you for seeing me, for hearing me, for understanding that I have always been driven to work, to put in the effort without any assurance of success but believing in the rightness of my cause even before Jen was born.  I learnt from my mother, volunteered for Open Christmas at Whitechapel and soup runs, spent time with the homeless and around the braziers at Spitalfields Market with a total belief that every person matters regardless of perceived ability or seniority, that social justice is a right but will only every become a reality when we cease to merely gift the crumbs off our table, but rather realise that social equity requires us to take time, gift time, to understand what is important, to invest in unexpected people, to find and nurture the nugget of gold within.  Achieving equity takes perseverance and funds.  Then and only then will people marginalized by society be valued and empowered to become contributors to society bringing their unique talents and assets to the table to benefit all.

Jen dancing to “This is Me”

This is what Malcolm and I have sought to do in equal measure for both our children.  Ultimately, with Jen already 28 and no other way forward in sight, together we set up the charity DanceSyndrome to unlock the potential within, to afford her opportunities to become the dancer and leader of her dreams sharing her passion for dance across the world.  Since when Jen, inspite of having Down’s syndrome, has been recognized with multiple awards and accolades.  And many thousands of others have experienced opportunities never previously countenanced.

Someone asked me on the night “what next now you’ve won Lifetime Achievement award?”. I’m not sure I even replied it was such a whirlwind of emotions and shock! Apologies if I was open mouthed to that! However, I know that my life’s work is to continue to break down barriers (perceived and real) until we have inclusion at the heart of every family, community, business, system and society.

If you know me well you’ll know that I won’t be hanging up my boots! There’s a lot more to be done, and today I’m feeling more empowered and ready to make a difference in more people’s lives. I hope that others will see this as an opportunity to join our mission to live in an inclusive society where everybody feels that they belong and are nurtured and supported to follow their passions.

I really do want to turn the world upside down and put inclusion at the heart of everything.

Unlocking the door to sustainability for DanceSyndrome is the only way we will ensure that this model exists for posterity.  Our track record demonstrates that when everyone involved is treated with equity and respect, people will thrive. Empowering people is our lifeblood. We want this to be the beating heart of every organisation, structure and system. People from every walk of life can help – an individual, an employer, a dancer, a trainer, an educator, events organizer, parent, health worker etc – the list is endless!  YOU can help!  By joining us, purchasing our transformational training, wanting to know more, spreading the word, you can create the difference I’ve been working my whole lifetime to challenge and change.

With gratitude, every win for me or for Jen, for our brand blackwells.biz or DanceSyndrome, is a win for every participant, parent and carer, our trustees and patrons, and all those funders and organisations DanceSyndrome is now proud to work in partnership with, and for Jen’s amazing care team led by Donna Wheeldon.

Debbie Gilbert, founder and organiser of the Awards, said:

“You built the door that no one else had the courage and determination to do and you created so many opportunities not just for your own daughter but for thousands of other people and you are so very well deserving of a lifetime achievement award for creating such a wonderful charity that has had such a lasting impact on so many people.”

The Best Businesswomen Awards were created eleven years ago to celebrate the achievements of female-led businesses and charities across a diverse range of industries. Open to all female business owners, the awards highlight the business acumen, drive and dedication of talented businesswomen who are all inspirational role models.

The tenacity, creativity, and resilience of female entrepreneurs truly took centre stage at the award ceremony on Friday 10^th October in Daventry. Each winner, carefully selected by an expert panel of judges from hundreds of entries, has showcased exceptional innovation, strong leadership and a passion for their industry. Plus, an unwavering drive to succeed.

A few of our memories of the evening including Jen’s trip to the dance floor when she could hold herself back no longer. Thank you for seeing her for who she is, a dancer: