Beryl won this award for her courage in supporting her husband, Don, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2003.

The couple, from Deeping St James, near Market Deeping, have been married for 33 years.

There were some tough times when Don was first diagnosed, and Beryl even had to give up her part-time job when it became clear he could not be left alone.

At the end of last year, plucky Beryl (63) raised hundreds of pounds and showed the world just how brave she was by having her head shaved for the Alzheimer's Society.

On accepting her award, she was keen to dedicate it to the thousands other people, men and women, who are in her position.

"I don't see myself as a woman of courage, I think every carer in the country is a person of courage. I'm honoured to accept this award on behalf of all of them," she said.

Meet all the 2008 winners | Women of Achievement home - www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/woa
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Runner-up: Marion Todd
IN May 2007, Marion Todd became mayor of Peterborough, planning to have a great year and to raise thousands of pounds for three special causes.
But six months later, her beloved husband, Patrick, died.

It would have been understandable if Marion had wanted to step down as mayor, but her love for Peterborough and her commitment to the charities she was helping encouraged her to stay on.


Runner-up: Dawn Freeman
Dawn Freeman's courage is demonstrated through her support of her 26-year-old disabled sister, Donna.

Life was already busy for 28-year-old Dawn, as she was 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 Donna was left to fend for herself, Dawn had no qualms about welcoming Donna into her own home.