Who’s the most inspiring woman you know? When we asked this question as part of the Women of The Year Awards, we were inundated with entries.

This week, Women of the Year hosted their 66th annual event online, to recognise and celebrate 400 women from across the UK who have achieved remarkable things this year. The event champions women from all walks of life and each guest is nominated by a member of the Women of the Year Council in recognition of their personal achievement or inspiration.

For a second year running, Boots is sponsoring its own Boots Wellness Warrior category at the Awards, looking to recognise females who are truly making a difference in a compassionate, brave or selfless way and dedicating their time to improving the health and wellbeing of others.

The story of body equality Activist and Child burns survivor Sylvia Mac was one that stood out and got her crowned this year’s Boots Wellness Warrior. As a child, Sylvia was burned and subsequently scarred down her back after falling into a bowl of boiling water - today, she campaigns to challenge the fashion industry, media and society to represent and accept people who look “different” through her ‘Love Disfigure’ work.

Speaking about her award win, Sylvia said: “I am proud and honoured to be recognised as a Boots Wellness Warrior at the Women of The Year Awards. I hope this award can show all those women who struggle with their mental health, as I did for many years, that anything is achievable.”

Helen Normoyle, Boots UK Marketing Director and Women of the Year judging panellist said: “All of us at Boots are proud to champion the achievements of diverse real women and we are delighted to sponsor the Wellness Warrior Award for the second year in a row. Sylvia is hugely inspirational and her dedication to campaigning really stood out. We have offered Sylvia a mentorship and a day with our specialists in our inhouse content agency to help Sylvia to take Love Disfigure to the next level, and plan for how we work together in the future.”

More than 400 women tuned in for the virtual celebration, joining together for an afternoon tea and honouring the achievements of so many. 200 years after Florence Nightingale’s birth, 2020 has proven to be the ‘Year of the Nurse’ in more ways than one, and Women of the Year paid tribute to key workers, charity workers and NHS staff who have had to work so hard to keep us going through the pandemic, many of whom joined this afternoon.

If you are interested in reading more about Sylvia’s story or our Runner-up and Highly Commended fantastic females, click here.