Fiona Mahoney, the chief executive of Somerset charity Reminiscence Learning, has been named as one of the best businesswomen in the UK.

She won gold in the UK Charity Champion sector in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024.

The competition seeks to find the very best female business talent from across the UK.

The winners were announced at a gala awards evening held at the Hilton Syon Park Hotel in London.

Ms Mahoney said: "I am truly shocked and overwhelmed, and feel incredibly privileged to receive this completely unexpected honour.

"I am so very, very proud of my Reminiscence Learning team and accept this award on behalf of the whole charity."

Reminiscence Learning is an award-winning dementia charity, based in Wellington, which aims to enhance the lives of those living with and caring for all types of dementia.

Its intergenerational teaching Archie Project, combined with its awareness-raising initiatives, training programmes, respite and community services, have achieved national recognition.

Awards organiser Debbie Gilbert said: "This is the 10th year of the awards, and we have recognised over 1,000 women since we launched in 2015 across a huge range of industry sectors.

"The selection process is rigorous and to be one of our winners is a major achievement.

"Our winners are shining examples of outstanding entrepreneurs."

The judges said of Ms Mahoney: "What she has achieved is incredible.

"The charity is a guiding light for those people living with dementia and their carers.

"The Archie Project is so innovative.

"What a fantastic way to teach children about dementia.

"This charity goes above and beyond and has had a widespread impact in doing so.

"Reminiscence Learning is a true inspiration."

After picking up her award, Ms Mahoney said: "We are humbled to now be the beneficiaries of an invaluable pool of marketing knowledge throughout the coming year, as well as receiving funds raised at the 2025 Best Businesswoman Awards next year.

"The charity really will benefit hugely from the publicity that accompanies such a prestigious award—this will drive forward our quest to really put Reminiscence Learning on the map in the UK."