A woman who took on 13 gruelling physical challenges for charity – including 160 miles of running and 163 miles of cycling – has been honoured at the second annual Kent Women in Business Awards.

More than 200 businessmen and women saw Ella Brocklebank take home the Contribution to the Community prize and be crowned Inspirational Business Woman of the Year.

The business development manager for Woodley Coles LLP – based in Challock and Sandwich – raised more than £11,000 for the Pilgrims Hospice in her Magic 13 challenge.

The mum of one, from Chartham, Canterbury, said: “I must thank you and all your judges for selecting me for both of my awards which I can tell you are truly treasured and I am so very proud.

“I am absolutely honoured to gain this recognition and I never imagined in a million years that I would win one award – let alone two.”

Another winner was Joanna Worby, managing partner of Maidstone-based law firm Brachers, who took home the Management and Leadership Award.

She said: “I am very proud to have won this award as there were other very worthy contenders.

“These awards demonstrate above all that female businesswomen continue to be a crucial part of the Kent business community and that is something to celebrate.”

Held at the Great Danes Hotel, Maidstone, other winners were Karen Hardie of De Novo Creative, Ali Hollands of Inspired to Change, Clare Singleton of Granary Spa, Sally Laker of Sally4cakes, Katie Malkinson of Little Big Sports and Jan Post of Rift Ltd.

The awards were founded last year by Hilary Steel from Kent Ideas to encourage further business growth and development amongst women.