Strabane-born charity founder wins Lorraine Kelly's Woman of the Year Award

AN inspirational Strabane woman has been named Lorraine Kelly’s ‘Woman of the Year' for her extraordinary work founding Sarah’s Star, a charity that supports individuals and families affected by incurable illness across the UK.

Sarah Harrison was unveiled as the deserving winner of the accolade on Monday morning by the show's Mark Heyes.

The stylist and presenter surprised Sarah during a televised segment on the popular ITV breakfast show, with family and friends gathering in celebration for the moment.

After being diagnosed with incurable breast cancer in 2019, Sarah turned her experience into a mission to help others.

Through Sarah’s Star, she has built an inclusive, compassionate community offering holistic therapies, bereavement support and open spaces for healing.

Now based in the North East of England, Sarah’s roots in Strabane remain close to her heart.

Her work and message of kindness, resilience and hope have resonated deeply on both sides of the Irish Sea, with supporters and families across Northern Ireland engaging with her Living Matters podcast and Death Cafés, where people can speak openly about death and dying.

Sarah was nominated for the award by her sister, Joanne Dunn, who described her as "a force for good who has turned immense personal adversity into a movement of kindness.”

Lorraine Kelly described her as "a remarkable, extraordinary woman".

Speaking of the accolade, Sarah said: "I’m deeply honoured and truly humbled to receive this award.

"Sarah’s Star was born from a very personal journey, but it’s become something so much bigger - a community of kindness, understanding and hope.

"This recognition isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone who has supported Sarah’s Star - our volunteers, donors, and friends - who keep its light shining for others.”

Congratulating Sarah on the award, Liam Milligan, chair of Sarah’s Star, added: "Since Sarah’s diagnosis her vision and energy to develop support through Sarah’s Star has been truly inspiring.

"Her determination and resilience have been remarkable and I know of no one more deserving of this recognition.”

The Woman of the Year Award, revealed on ITV’s Lorraine, honours women who have made an outstanding difference to others through strength, compassion, and vision.

Sarah will officially receive her award at a glitzy Women of the Year lunch next Monday.

For more details on the Sarah's Star charity, visit: www.sarahs-star.org