A CHIEF Inspector from South Lakeland has been named one of the county’s ‘inspirational women’ in a booklet produced to motivate Cumbria schoolgirls.

Ali Dufty was asked to take part in the Cumbria Business Education Consortium (CBEC)- led initiative which hopes to inspire local young women into thinking about their future and what they can achieve.

The booklet tells 26 stories of a significant challenge, or issue, that a Cumbrian woman has had to overcome in order to fulfil their potential.

A copy will be given to every 15-year-old schoolgirl in the county to help broaden their minds, raise aspirations, and increase motivation.

“I was touched to be asked to contribute to this project which is a great way of showing young women what they can achieve if they have the determination,” said Ms Dufty.

“From the age of 16 when I left school, I knew I wanted to be a police officer and have remained focused on achieving my goals and progressing through the ranks.

“I’ve come up against some hurdles during my career, having battled ill health after doctors discovered a bone tumour on my spine.

“The operations resulted in nearly two years off work, and subsequent pain ever since. I’ve also frequently been the only woman in many of the teams and ranks I’ve worked in across the constabulary, which could be isolating. I’m proud of what I have achieved. Even though I left school at 16 and have a busy career, I managed to achieve a Masters Degree in Education with distinction, and continue to enjoy an active lifestyle, despite problems with my back.

“All 26 women who have chosen to contribute to the booklet have a different story to tell, but each of them has a strong underlying message – you are in charge of your future. Go after your dreams.”

Fay Davies, chief executive of CBEC, said: “The idea behind this project was to offer inspiration to others and I wanted ‘ordinary‘ women to share a story, or an aspect of their life, to inspire or demonstrate that any one of us can achieve a dream, a goal, or what we really want to do in life.”

At the launch event, at Rheged, Penrith, the 26 Cumbrian contri-butors and guests gathered to hear motivational talks and enjoy entertainment from dance groups and singers.