International Women’s Day: Swindon's inspirational women

This International Women’s Day, we asked readers of the Swindon Advertiser to shout out the women in town who continue to inspire them, and the response has been huge.

From the women helping to save lives in Swindon to the much-loved family members putting on a smile through illness, these women truly are the best of us all.

So here are just a few of the most inspirational everyday superheroes of Swindon, as chosen by you.

Inspirational women in Swindon 2024

Patricia Smithson

80-year-old Patricia Smithson faced a difficult childhood but has channelled that into helping other children feel loved. She has spent years as a foster mother while also raising four children of her own.

Her daughter Rebecca Manser has described Patricia as "a rock" and credited her for "making me the strong, independent woman I am."

"My mum has been a really big inspiration throughout my whole life as she had a particularly bad childhood and wanted all of her children to feel all the love and attention she never had.

"After having a heart attack, losing sight in one eye and losing her best friends it seems life doesn't get any better for her but she still keeps going and trying to do as much as she can still for herself."

Mary Jean Hinton

Mary Hinton goes above and beyond to help others (Image: Kerry Howe)

We all know of mothers going above and beyond for their families, but Mary Hinton really is a prime example of that.

Mary is a carer for her elderly mother and regularly takes turns to stay with her overnight, while also working full time and being a mum to her own children.

"She is an inspiration to everyone and always puts others first," said Mary's daughter Kerry.

"She even goes shopping for all the elderly neighbours at my nan's as well as looking after her and working - she never stops and has so much love to give."

Jo Davis

It's clear that Jo Davis, who works at Owen's World Foundation, has had a huge impact on the Swindon community as she received numerous shoutouts from the people she has inspired.

Jo helped launch Owen's World Foundation after teenager Owen Dunn was killed during a stabbing in 2022.

She has spearheaded its efforts so far to raise thousands of pounds and secure the installation of eleven bleed control kits in various locations across the town.

If that isn't inspirational, we don't know what is.

Acacia Pinner

Eight-year-old Acacia has shown that you're never too young to spread kindness and help others. (Image: Hayley Pinner)

Eight-year-old Acacia is one of the youngest on our list but has shown that you're never too young to spread kindness to those around you.

The animal lover has helped her mum through some tough times recently and says she wants to be an animal welfare officer for the RSPCA one day so she can continue helping others.

"I’m a single parent and times have been tough for us but she inspires me to be patient, kind, caring but most of all compassionate," said Acacia's mum Hayley.

Chaye Dawson

Inspirational Chaye Dawson didn't have the easiest start to motherhood. (Image: Jac Dawson)

Chaye worked in her 20s in care homes and hospitals where she ended her care career as a phlebotomist before moving into medical research.

In 2022, Chaye was preparing to become a mother when she gave birth to a stillborn baby and had to go through the unthinkable process of burying her son.

Since then Chaye gave birth to her 'rainbow baby' in 2023 and has tackled motherhood and all of its challenges like a champ.

"She is an inspiration to me and as her mum I love spending time with her," said her mum Jac Dawson.

"I love her to the moon and back (something I said to her often whilst she was growing up)."

Denise Woodger

Denise's family have suffered a lot of illness and grief in recent times, but daughter-in-law Heidi Nash thinks that Denise is an inspiration and the glue that holds the family together.

"My mother-in-law supported me through my son passing away at the same time that her dad was ill, and he then passed away in the same month.

"She's had a tough few years but she's now on the mend and she's amazing for getting through it."