Dawn Freeman

The special bond between sisters and the benefit of being in a close-knit family are never more evident than in this nomination.

Twenty-eight-year-old Dawn Freeman is a busy mum to six-year-old Kieran and two-and-a-half year old Harley, but when her own mother, Sandra, was hospitalised with MS and her 26-year-old disabled sister, Donna, was left to fend for herself, Dawn had no qualms about welcoming Donna into her own home.

Dawn, of Blandford Gardens, Peterborough, said she knew from a young age that she might have to take responsibility for Donna, who was born with a rare heart condition and can only communicate through her own form of sign language, at some point.

"We like living the way we do," she said. "It all fits together and I'm sure it will continue to do so."

Beryl Bennett

Beryl Bennett is a very special woman whose courageous spirit is worthy of recognition.

In 2003, Beryl's life changed forever when her husband, Don, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

The couple from Deeping St James, near Market Deeping, have been married for 33 years and admitted the first few months were incredibly tough. Beryl even had to give up her part-time job, when it became clear Don could not be left alone and there was no one else on hand to look after him.

But now, five years on, the couple are coming to terms with the illness and are determined to stay positive.

At the end of last year, Beryl raised hundreds of pounds for the Alzheimer's Society by having her head shaved.

Speaking at the time, the plucky 63-year-old said: "I was thinking 'what can I do that would be really different?' so decided on a headshave."

Marion Todd

In May 2007 Marion Todd took up the chains of office to become Mayor of Peterborough.

The Conservative councillor for the city's East ward said she was looking forward to a year of fun, and planned to raise thousands of pounds for three special causes – Sue Ryder Hospice, the Friends of Peterborough Hospital and Help a Peterborough Youth.

"It's going to be a great year," she said.

But six months later Marion's world was turned upside down when her husband, Patrick, died a week after suffering a heart attack.

Many people would have understood that after this personal tragedy Marion may have wished to step down as mayor, but her love for Peterborough and her commitment to the charities she wanted to help encouraged her to stay on.

Related: Meet more Women of Achievement Awards 2008 finalists | Full Women of Achievement Awards coverage - www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/woa