A CAMPAIGNER from Widnes has been named ‘the Woman to Watch’ in Merseyside after being nominated for her inspirational work with youths.

Emily McChrystal, who lives in Widnes, has supported more than 535,000 community members through her campaigning work, which primarily focusses on empowering young people.

The 24-year-old played a critical role in establishing and developing the Comic Youth’s Marginal Publishing House, the first youth-led publisher of its kind in the UK.

She has also helped generate more than half a million pounds for the organisations and communities she has worked with.

Emily found out that she was nominated for the award after her friend put her forward for it and was one of 20 inspiring women across Merseyside to be recognised.

Emily was one of 20 women nominated at the eventEmily was one of 20 women nominated at the event (Image: Ray Farley)

“I already felt like I’d won by just being nominated,” she said.

“I’m not the type of person who gets nominated for awards or has that kind of special stuff around them, so it was really exciting.

“You get to meet so many amazing people and there’s so much joy that comes out of the hardships you navigate with people as well.

“It just takes one person to validate one person’s feelings or perspectives and that can change the projection of that person’s entire life.”

At the award ceremony, Emily was named the Woman to Watch at the Merseyside Women of the Year Awards.

“Just being nominated was a huge achievement, but to have heard my name be called as the winner was something I will never forget,” she said.

“This award means a lot to me, but I would not be able to do any of the things I do without an incredible community beside me.

“From my family, friends, partner, colleagues – everyone has played a vital role in my journey, and nothing is ever a one person show.”