THE chief executive of a charity which offers support for children with cerebral palsy from Cheshire West has been shortlisted for a major award.

Amy Couture, of Stick 'n' Step, has been nominated for the director of the year, third sector category in the prestigious IoD North West & Isle of Man Director of the Year Awards.

The prestigious annual awards, to be held in September at Hilton Manchester Deansgate, represent the pinnacle of leadership and business excellence.

Every year, directors from a diverse range of regional businesses are recognised for the significant contribution they make to society and enterprise.

Stick ‘n’ Step offers support services to children with cerebral palsy and their families from across the North West.

The charity provides the children with totally free of charge conductive education sessions at its centres in Runcorn and Wallasey, allowing them to gain the skills they need to live more independent lives.

Since Amy Couture took over the CEO role in 2016, the charity has seen huge growth, doubling its capacity for the number of children and their families it supports.

With the opening of the Runcorn centre in 2017, Stick ‘n’ Step now has places for more than 100 children and young people, supported by 23 staff.

It costs on average £5,500 for every child’s place each year so raising awareness and fundraising is vitally important to the charity, all year round.

Chairman of Stick ‘n’ Step Rob Shorthouse, who is head of IT Architecture at Co-op, said, “Amy’s dedication and commitment to increase capacity at Stick ‘n’ Step has enabled the charity to have a positive impact on the lives of even more children in the region. "She has built a fantastic team at Stick ‘n’ Step that we are all really proud to be part of. Even in the current, incredibly challenging situation the whole country is facing, Stick ‘n’ Step staff are continuing to provide ‘remote’ support to as many families as possible.”