A Warwick mum who founded a local charity in her late daughter's name has become the first recipient of a brand new award recognising outstanding personal achievement.

Rachel Ollerenshaw, of Molly Ollys, received The Inspirational Individual Award – Person of the Year – the only individual category at the inaugural Coventry and Warwickshire Business and Community Awards, on Thursday. (March 27th)

Rachel established the children's charity with husband Tim in 2011, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer.

It works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK.

Olly The Brave is a therapeutic toy that helps children understand their treatment journey. Along with a set of books from the charity's exclusive Olly The Brave series, stock the lion and books now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy.

Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children's Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants.

The awards were hosted by the Belgrade Theatre and organised by Coventry And Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. They honoured winners in ten categories including Not For Profit Champion for mental health and wellbeing service Guardian Ballers.

Coventry-based NP Aerospace took home The Global Player award in recognition of its overseas success, while Nuneaton Signs picked up The Equality Trailblazer prize.

The Workforce Developer award went to Nuneaton-based Independent Freight Solutions, and Warwick Conferences was handed The Planet Saver award.

Coventry IT firm SolaaS won The Rapid Riser prize, while Coventry BID landed The Problem Solver award.

Creative agency Blunt & Brave won the award for The Creative and Culture Activator. The Community Champion prize went to the Sri Lankan Street Food & Cafe.

Rachel's award was presented by His Majesty's Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Louise Bennett OBE, and Tom Mongan, Immediate Past President of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. Highly commended in the category were Yvette Greenway Mansfield, representing SOS Silence of Suicide and Ian O'Connor, of Eskuta.

Rachel said: "It is very humbling to be recognised in this way, especially amongst the incredible group of people nominated. My inspiration comes from the children that we support, who face their challenges head on and deal with so much at such a tender age with a maturity and wisdom that we can often learn a lot from.

"I am incredibly lucky to be supported by a very caring and dedicated team, together we all feel very privileged to be able to help children and families and, thanks to our donors, we can keep helping and finding ways to improve the services available.

"Thank you to everyone who nominated me. We all had a great night at the Awards and loved meeting more people from our local community and learning more about what is happening around us."

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This award is about more than just achievements; it's about the power of one person to make a real difference. It recognises individuals who have gone above and beyond to inspire others, lead their business, uplift their community, and create a lasting impact.

"Whether through acts of kindness, leadership, innovation, or resilience, these individuals show us what is possible when passion and purpose come together. "Rachel Ollerenshaw is a deserving winner for her tireless dedication to supporting children and families and making a profound impact on so many lives."

He added: "Huge congratulations to all of our amazing winners, as well as to everyone who was shortlisted for an award, for helping to make it such a night to remember.

"If we needed any reminding about what a special place Coventry and Warwickshire is to live, work and do business, this event did that in abundance and showed us all what an incredible place this is."

To find out more about the work of Molly Ollys or how you can help or donate here.