Meet Anna Haggart: Be More Barbara Woman of the Year 2025

A truly inspirational evening unfolded at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday night as Anna Haggart was crowned the Be More Barbara Woman of the Year 2025.

Anna, a dedicated community champion, was chosen for the prestigious award in recognition of her tireless work through the Shaun Haggart Foundation, a non-profit organisation she set up in memory of her son.

Over the past 15 years, Anna and her small but devoted team have provided essential support to people in crisis – feeding the homeless, supporting refugees, assisting survivors of domestic abuse, and ensuring struggling families have access to baby essentials, clothing, and food.

Even on Christmas Day, no one is ever turned away.

With over a dozen heartfelt nominations, Anna’s impact on the Blackburn and Darwen community was evident and shone through at the inaugural awards evening.

Those who put her forward for the honour described her as “selfless,” “an amazing person” and a “woman with the biggest heart.”

Many highlighted her personal sacrifices, including using her own money to provide food and supplies to those in desperate need.

Speaking after her win, Anna said:

I don’t do this for recognition – I do it in memory of Shaun and because I believe no one should feel alone or forgotten. Shaun was an amazing community minded person and would be so proud.

To receive this award, knowing how much love and support there is for the work we do, means the world to me. I am so grateful to those who nominated me and to the judges for choosing me as there were so many other deserving women right there in that room.

This is for my son, for my family, and for every person we’ve been able to help.

The Foundation’s latest project is an Eid collection, helping to support three families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Seeing the poverty they were living in, the foundation has helped collect donations of food, clothing and baby supplies. Anna and her family are proud that they now class the families as friends.

Anna Haggart, from Livesey, along with her husband Shaun, sister Gillian Garvin started the Shaun Haggart Foundation in memory of Anna’s son Shaun who died in 2010, which now involves their children; Mark, Anthony, Kayleigh and Jessica.

Shaun, who sadly died after undergoing a 53rd operation on chronic heart and bowel problems was described as an ‘inspirational’ community worker.

Anna, 56, who works as a cook in a rehabilitation unit in Darwen, wanted to keep her son’s memory alive, so set up the foundation to help the community.

Her efforts were congratulated at the awards evening, filled with celebration, emotion, and a powerful reminder of the legacy of Barbara Castle, after whom the award is named.

With entertainment from Richard Mcann and Kiki De Ville, over 200 people came together from all walks of life, making new connections and friendships that will no doubt last a lifetime.

Councillor Elaine Whittingham, who was part of the organising committee, praised Anna’s dedication:

Barbara Castle was a woman who fought tirelessly for others, and Anna embodies that same fighting spirit. Her compassion and resilience are truly inspiring. She is a beacon of hope in our community, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving.

The event created natural community cohesion with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate one another and most importantly, making new connections and friendships.

Like so many others in the room, Anna highlights the true embodiment of generosity, resilience, and unwavering kindness. Congratulations, Anna and to everyone nominated.

Gary Robinson, CEO of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, echoed this sentiment. Gary, who was part of the judging panel, alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive, Denise Park, added:

Anna represents the very best of our community. She has turned personal tragedy into something powerful – bringing people together, offering kindness, and making a real difference. It was an honour to celebrate her achievements.

Every person nominated will receive two tickets to attend a Rovers game courtesy of Blackburn Rovers Community Trust.

Anna is organising an affordable family fun day this year to mark what would have been her son’s 40^th Birthday year and 15 years since he sadly passed away suddenly.

If anyone can help with a venue, entertainment or donations of food or drinks, to help make the event a success, please contact: annahaggart@msn.com

 Huge congratulations to everyone nominated: Be More Barbara: International Women’s Day ‘Woman of the Year Roll of Honour’ 2025 nominees | The Shuttle: Blackburn with Darwen Council News

The 12 women shortlisted for the award, who were awarded a certificate and signed copies of Richard Mcann’s book, included:

• Pat Rogers
• Angela Thompson
• Anna Haggart
• Dawn Hardman
• Elaine Riley
• Linda Holden
• Saima Afzal
• Sarah Benasconi
• Sunita Asal- Chander
• Victoria Mcleish
• Megan Longworth
• Shigufta Khan