APF Awards-Public Vote

Public Vote Shortlist

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Voting is now OPEN!

Our esteemed panel of judges have pulled together a shortlist for the following Awards:

‘Women of the Year’ & 'Product of the Year'

These two Awards will be decided by you - so every vote counts!

Voting opens at 9am on Monday 12th May

Voting closes at Midnight on Wednesday 21st May.

PLEASE NOTE:

The shortlisted candidates for all other awards will have been announced from 6th May.
These winners will be selected by the judges only.

Please read our Awards Criteria and Terms & Conditions for more information.

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Woman of the Year

Helen Glover OBE

Helen Glover OBE is one of Britain’s most decorated rowers and a trailblazer for mothers in elite sport. Born in Cornwall, she rose to prominence after being identified through the UK’s “Sporting Giants” talent program in 2008. She went on to win Olympic gold in the women’s coxless pair with Heather Stanning only 4 years later at London 2012 and then again at Rio 2016, becoming the first British woman to win Olympic gold in rowing .

After retiring to start a family with husband and TV naturalist Steve Backshall, Glover had three children between 2018 and 2020. In a remarkable comeback, she returned to training in 2021 and became the first mother to row for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing fourth in the coxless pair with Polly Swann .

Her journey continued at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she won silver in the women’s four, making her one of the first British mothers to win an Olympic rowing medal . Glover has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing elite sport with motherhood, advocating for better support for athlete-parents and inspiring others to pursue their ambitions without compromise .

Her OBE, awarded in recognition of both her sporting achievements and her role in redefining what’s possible for mothers in high-performance sport, cements her legacy as a pioneer in British athletics.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan DME

Professor Dame Lesley Regan has been a leading figure in advancing women's health in the UK, particularly focusing on the needs of pregnant and postnatal women. In June 2022, she was appointed as England’s first-ever Women’s Health Ambassador, a role designed to address the gender health gap and implement the government’s Women’s Health Strategy.

With over four decades of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, Dame Lesley has emphasised the importance of integrating mental and physical healthcare for women throughout their lives.

Beyond her ambassadorial role, Dame Lesley has made significant contributions to maternal health through her clinical and academic work. As President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 2016 to 2019, she oversaw the publication of the "Better for Women" report, which provided comprehensive recommendations to improve women's health services in the UK.

Professor Dame Lesley Regan has also been a strong proponent of maintaining physical activity during pregnancy, emphasising its significant benefits for both maternal and foetal health. She advocates for a life course approach to women's health, highlighting pregnancy as a critical period where positive lifestyle changes can have lasting impacts. Dame Lesley encourages expectant mothers to engage in regular, moderate exercise, noting that it can lead to safer pregnancies and better outcomes for both mother and child.

In her book, Your Pregnancy Week by Week, Dame Lesley provides comprehensive guidance on maintaining health during pregnancy, including detailed advice on nutrition and exercise. The book offers week-by-week insights, helping expectant mothers understand the physical and emotional changes they may experience, and underscores the importance of staying active to support both maternal wellbeing and foetal development.

Laura Kyrke-Smith

Laura Kyrke-Smith, the Labour MP for Aylesbury, has emerged as a passionate advocate for maternal mental health, driven by the tragic loss of her close friend Sophie, who died by suicide just ten weeks after giving birth in 2021. In a heartfelt Westminster Hall debate in February 2025, Laura shared Sophie's story to underscore the urgent need for systemic change in how the UK supports pregnant and postnatal women.

She highlighted that maternal mental health issues are the most common complication of pregnancy, yet they remain under recognised and under resourced. Her advocacy calls for maternal mental health care to be treated with the same urgency and integration as physical health during and after pregnancy.

In her speech, Laura outlined four key areas for improvement: safeguarding specialist perinatal mental health services, embedding mental health support into routine maternity care, expanding community-based support, and enhancing education and awareness. She emphasised that care remains a "postcode lottery," with disadvantaged women more likely to miss out on essential services.

By sharing Sophie's experience, Laura aims to catalyse change, ensuring that no other mother feels isolated or unsupported during such a critical period. Her efforts have been recognised by organisations like the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, which supports her call for comprehensive and equitable maternal mental health care

Helen

Lesley

Laura

Product of the Year

Strong Foundations - Why Pelvic Health Matters

Book by Clare Bourne

A book for all ages, exploring the importance of pelvic health throughout life from childhood to menopause and beyond. It is full of practical advice and education to empower and equip
women, as well as signpost and break down barriers. I want all women to feel like they understand pelvic health better and how to look after their own pelvic health better.

This book takes women on a vital journey to better understanding their pelvic health throughout all stages of life, and empowers them to take control of the core of their physical and mental wellbeing.

Pelvic health issues can impact a huge range of physiological functions but there is very little information or help readily available for these problems. Pregnancy and childbirth can have a significant impact on pelvic health, but did you know that it can also be affected by other things? This can commonly lead to physical symptoms relating to your bladder, bowels and sex life as well as impacting mental health.

But knowledge is power, and I've dedicated my career to improving our pelvic health – this book contains answers to all the questions you’ve been too embarrassed or scared to ask, and many more you didn’t know you needed the answers for – nothing is TMI!

In reviewing the book, Dr Naomi Potter said, "Pelvic floor health is a little discussed subject. Most women have no idea of the importance until they experience symptoms, most commonly postnatal or in the menopause. At this point they then may well be too embarrassed to seek help. This book should change that by empowering women with knowledge and understanding so that they can seek the help they need."

insta_grid-just book against background.jpg.jpeg

Strong

Carifit Carrier & App

Accessories by Carifit

The world's first athleisure baby carrier that comes with its own pre and postnatal, health, wellbeing and fitness app. Supporting 1000s of new mums and their babywearing journey the Carifit is a true first. Performance athleisure does babywearing plus ORCHA approved app and multi expert support!

We’ve made our baby carrier lightweight and incredibly comfortable. With the right fit sorted, both you and your baby are safe and secure.

Our universal sizing is for all body shapes, so all mums and dads can enjoy Carifit in perfect comfort. From petite to plus size we’ve got you covered.

Our groundbreaking health and wellbeing app features on-demand personalised training plans, plus parenting support from qualified experts.

One reviewer said, "I love this carrier, I wanted a carrier with a racer back that was easy to put on without help, flexible and breathable, I did my research and this one fit my needs perfectly. I went in-store to try it on and a couple of others, for me, the weight of the baby was distributed so well, it felt like I wasn't wearing a carrier or a baby! This was a massive plus for me as I also have a back condition and even as my girl has got heavier, I'm yet to get back pain from wearing her in this carrier.

I signed up on the app purely because I saw I could have a free fit check and wanted to make sure I was carrying my baby safely, but there are loads of great fitness and wellness classes available to me on the app too! Vern spent time with me having a chat about baby carrying, the carrier itself and how to baby wear correctly, I love that I can organise another fit check when my baby is ready to be forward facing or just if I want another check in when she is a bit bigger. Overall I'm really happy with this carrier, I've carried my girl whilst walking, shopping, cleaning the house and even went to watch the rugby with it, it's so versatile and doesn't feel bulky when on which is another added bonus. I'd highly recommend this product!"

Maternity & Postnatal Active Support Leggings

Apparel by Natal Active

Our Luxe Maternity and Postnatal Leggings have been a firm favourite with mums, with over 20,000 pairs sold since launch – and it’s easy to see why. Squat proof, sweat-wicking and
buttery soft, they’re designed to support you through every stage of pregnancy and beyond.

With a high, non-slip waistband that gently holds your bump (or postnatal tum) and seams that never dig in, they’re perfect for everything from workouts to the school run.

A good product fit can make all the difference, and feeling supported and confident in your kit is often the extra
motivation mums need to stay active. And with a range of fabulous colours to choose from, there is something for every mum regardless of their stage of pregnancy!

One reviewer said, "Amazing quality active wear for pregnancy. Have to say I was really sceptical when I saw the size of the waistline of the luxe Maternity & Postnatal Leggings I ordered and I was very pleasantly surprised to find that they fit super comfortably despite having a rather large bump now. The over-bump waistline also doesn't ride down my bump or need hoisting back-up (which other brands seem to require much to my frustration when in the middle of a workout). I also bought the maternity & breastfeeding long-sleeved top and nursing sports bra. All fit beautifully and the fabric is super comfortable. I will be a returning customer."