Local nurse wins inspirational award
Black Country Women’s Aid’s Inspirational Woman of the Year 2025, sponsored by Hubtel IT, has been awarded to Jo Downing. Jo is a nurse of nearly 30 years and a long-term supporter of the award-winning charity.
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Jo, a Lymphoedema clinical nurse specialist, was nominated by colleagues, patients, friends and family for her unwavering care for people living with long-term health conditions. One nominator described her as “one of heaven’s angels sent to change our lives. She's so kind, talented, loving and she genuinely cares about her patients. My life would not have changed without this lady, can't thank her enough.”
Jo received her award at an International Women’s Day BCWA event at Churchill’s in Wednesbury on Saturday, 8 March. The sell-out BCWA fundraiser was attended by over 170 and was sponsored by Waldrons Solicitors.
Hubtel IT has announced Black Country Women’s Aid as its inaugural charity of the year. The IT support specialists already work with BCWA, helping them to protect sensitive data through vital cyber security measures.
They now join other local businesses like Midcounties Co-op, West Midlands Metro and Waldrons Solicitors in formally partnering with the long-standing charity to help support victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, modern slavery and stalking.
Sara Ward, CEO of BCWA said: “International Women’s Day is one of the most important dates in our events calendar, and is the ideal time to celebrate local women who selflessly help others. Jo is such a worthy winner and I was thrilled to see Hubtel IT and last year’s recipient hand over the award at our wonderful fundraiser. We rely on support from our corporate partners and the wider community to continue to deliver our much-needed services, and it is fantastic when we come together and celebrate everything we have achieved.”
Neil Bayliss, Director at Hubtel IT, said: "Sponsoring BCWA's Inspirational Woman of the Year 2025 award was an absolute pleasure. BCWA provides vital support to vulnerable people in our wider community, and having worked with them for many years, we’ve seen firsthand their dedication to improving lives. Jo was a truly deserving winner, and it’s individuals like her who create real, lasting change."
