Mother who campaigned for safeguarding named Woman of Year

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 10:08 · Archive

Leighann McCready, who founded Jaysley's Voice after her daughter's death, has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026.

Leighann McCready has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026 for her work following the death of her daughter, Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who was from Oxen Park near Ulverston.

Through her campaign Jaysley's Voice, Ms McCready has become a leading advocate for improving safeguarding, accountability and support for military personnel who experience harassment and abuse. Her work has reached audiences across the UK and has encouraged hundreds of serving and former soldiers to share their stories.

In addition to raising awareness, she has raised more than £40,000 for the Centre for Military Justice, which supports individuals and families affected by sexual violence, discrimination and other abuses within the armed forces. Despite her campaigning, Ms McCready has continued working as a carer, a role she has held for more than 26 years. Her commitment to protecting other families from similar loss made her the unanimous choice for this year's award.

Three other women were also honoured at the Cumbria Women of the Year Awards. Rosalind Niedt from Penrith received the Outstanding Contribution Award for more than 50 years of service to the community, including helping to establish the Cumbria Alcohol and Drug Advisory Service and serving as a magistrate and presiding justice. She has been praised for her 'compassion, kindness and quiet determination'.

Samantha Gibson from Maryport received the Special Achievement Award for her work supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Ms Gibson founded the charity Jack's Journey after her son Jack was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2016.

How it is being reported

• Mother who turned daughter’s death into safeguarding campaign named Woman of the YearA mother who turned personal tragedy into a national campaign has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026.Whitehaven News · 8 Oct, 09:41
• Mother who turned daughter’s death into safeguarding campaign named Woman of the YearA mother who turned personal tragedy into a national campaign has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026.Westmorland Gazette · 8 Oct, 09:41
• Mother who turned daughter’s death into safeguarding campaign named Woman of the YearA mother who turned personal tragedy into a national campaign has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026.NW Evening Mail · 8 Oct, 09:41
• Mother who turned daughter’s death into safeguarding campaign named Woman of the YearA mother who turned personal tragedy into a national campaign has been named Cumbria Woman of the Year 2026.News & Star · 8 Oct, 09:41

In this story: Leighann McCready · Jaysley Beck · Centre for Military Justice · Rosalind Niedt · Samantha Gibson · Cumbria · Oxen Park · Penrith

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem