CHARITY founder and chief executive Fiona Mahoney, of Wellington, has been named as one of the best businesswomen in the UK.

Ms Mahoney, an occupational therapist with both physical and mental health experience, started the now nationally-recognised dementia charity Reminiscence Learning in Wellington in 2001.

She has won a gold award in the UK Charity Champion sector in the Best Businesswomen Awards 2024, which looks for ‘the very best female business talent from across the UK’.

The presentations to the winners were made during a gala awards evening held in 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.

“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.”

Reminiscence Learning became a registered charity in 2003, and, after moving to Bishops Lydeard and later Taunton, returned to Wellington in 2015 where it was based in Tonedale until this summer.

The charity relocated in August to Hamlands, a large bungalow on the Camelot House estate, in Ham, after a long and unsuccessful search for a suitable new property in Wellington.

Reminiscence Learning aims to enhance the lives of those living with and caring for all types of dementia.

It runs an inter-generational teaching Archie Project, combined with awareness-raising initiatives, training programmes, respite, and community services, which have achieved national recognition and awards.

The Best Businesswomen Awards are designed to recognise the achievement of businesses and charities across a wide range of business categories owned by women.

 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.”

The Archie Project links primary schools with local care homes and aims to dispel the fear and stigma which can be associated with dementia.

The charity’s relocation was driven by the need for larger and more accessible premises in response to its growing range of services and national delivery.