Lizzie Jones in the running for prestigious Inspirational Woman of the Year award

Inspirational mum Lizzie Jones has been recognised for her tireless charity work following the death of her husband.
Lizzie JonesLizzie Jones
Lizzie Jones

In May last year, Lizzie, 31, who lives in Northowram, Halifax, was dealt a devastating blow when her husband Danny collapsed and suffered a cardiac arrest while playing rugby.

Danny, a former Halifax RLFC player, was just 29 when he died, leaving behind Lizzie and their five-month-old twins Phoebe and Bobby.

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Despite the tragedy, brave Lizzie began campaigning for all rugby league division players to be able to have heart screening.

And with the help of the Rugby League Benevolent Fund, Lizzie has also set up a charity in Danny’s name, the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund.

Through the charity she wants to get defibrillators into all grass roots rugby clubs across the country. Eventually she wants every sporting venue, school and community centre to have them.

Now Lizzie has been shortlisted in Lorraine Kelly’s Inspirational Woman of the Year award.

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Lizzie’s friend Laura Simeunovich, who nominated her for the award, said: “Lizzie is inspirational. Whilst dealing with her own grief and raising her children alone, she is making sure other people are safe, and is trying to save families going through what she has.

“Danny would be exceptionally proud of his wife. She is a fantastic role model for her children, and they will grow up knowing that their mummy is saving lives in their daddy’s name.”

This year, the award judges are Lorrain Kelly, President of Women of the Year Sandi Toksvig, and guest judge Judy Murray, mother of tennis ace Andy Murray.

There were more than 300 nominees and the winner will be crowned by viewers of ITV’s Lorraine.

The phone vote will open tomorrow.

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