Author Lesley Pearse launches The Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award 2011

Penguin Group (NZ), The Breeze radio network and New Zealand Woman’s Weekly were proud to host author Lesley Pearse at the Parnell Jubilee Centre in Auckland to launch The Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award 2011.

The annual award originated in the UK in 2006 to acknowledge ordinary women who have done extraordinary things. In 2010 Penguin Group (NZ) brought the award to New Zealand for the first time, and the response was amazing.

This year, we are again encouraging people to tell us about a woman they know who has shown strength and dedication in their everyday life. This is a chance to showcase your friend, neighbour, relative or colleague and to let them know how much they are appreciated.

Five finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, including Lesley Pearse. The winner and a friend will then be flown to London for a sumptuous awards lunch with Lesley, where she will be presented with a specially crafted commemorative award, a framed certificate and Penguin books worth $500. The four runners-up will receive a framed certificate and Penguin books worth $200. You can nominate a woman for this prestigious award between February and May 2011 via email, post or fax (nomination forms and entry criteria are available from http://www.womenofcouragenz.co.nz/).

The event was a fun affair with The Two Robbies (The Breeze’s breakfast hosts, who MC’d the event) scandalising the audience with rather racy extracts from Belle, Lesley Pearse’s new historical novel.

Kelley Martin, The Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award 2010 recipient, was also in attendance. Kelley has endured multiple operations to mend a very broken body after a car accident 11 years ago. Despite doctors and specialists telling her she would never walk normally again, Kelley refused to give up hope and worked tirelessly at her rehabilitation. She has since amazed all who know her and her story by realising her dream and opening a dance studio in Auckland.

Lesley’s novels have sold close to 4 million copies in the UK alone. She has fans across the globe, including a massive following in New Zealand. Lesley’s writing can be very personal and after having a difficult upbringing, has been able to draw upon a rich source of material.
Lesley is currently touring New Zealand with her latest novel Belle and will be heading to Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Wanaka over the next week.
For a full list of Lesley's events visit the Penguin Group (NZ) website: http://www.penguin.co.nz/wawcs0131131/events.html

Above - Lesley Pearse, Kelley Martin (The Lesley Pearse Women of Courage Award 2010 recipient), The Two Robbies (The Breeze’s breakfast hosts, who MC’d the event)