Potter author JK Rowling and Olympian Jessica Ennis more inspiring than Queen for Manchester women

INSPIRATIONAL: Jessica Ennis

By Glen Keogh

Harry Potter author JK Rowling and Olympic champion Jessica Ennis are Manchester women’s most inspiring British females, according to a recent survey.

The Queen was overlooked for Manchester’s title despite topping the national poll with over two fifths of UK women naming her their most inspirational woman from a list provided.   

Ennis and Rowling tied at 56% of the Manchester vote, with Dame Helen Mirren coming third in the region’s list.

It all came as part of a poll for Oxfam’s Get Together fundraising campaign which is the UK’s biggest celebration of International Women’s Day, on March 8.

Harriett Roberts, Oxfam community fundraising manager for Oxfam in Manchester, said: “Following on from the Woman’s Hour Power List, it is clear that British women strongly value personal dedication and achievement, whether they are looking up to high profile figures or family members.

“This is what Oxfam Get Together is all about. It is about celebrating and supporting women around the world who are working hard with passion and dedication to get themselves out of poverty.”

It seems Mancunians look for heroes closer to home with more than a quarter naming female friends and family as their biggest source of inspiration – closely followed by successful sportswomen.

The Queen’s national victory means it is the second time in a week that she has topped a list of influential women having been voted first place by a panel of judges in the BBC Woman’s Hour Power List.

Manchester women’s hero Ennis did not even feature in the top 100 Power List but can take comfort in the knowledge that neither did English sweetheart Kate Middleton, who came seventh nationally in Oxfam’s survey.

Oxfam’s Get Together is all about celebrating inspiring women from all walks of life around International Women’s Day by promoting fun with friends and family as well as raising money for Oxfam’s work with women living in poverty worldwide.

Ms Roberts added: "Whether it’s an Ennis-inspired sports quiz in the local pub or a right Royal knees up at home, we hope the UK will be marking the occasion in style".

For more information and to register to hold an Oxfam Get Together visit www.oxfam.org.uk/gettogether

Image courtesy of King...., with thanks.

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