Woman of Rochdale 2024 – Lorenza Pye

Date published: 26 April 2024

Lorenza Pye has been named as the 2024 Woman of Rochdale.

Lorenza, of Milnrow, was named the latest recipient of the accolade by last year’s winner, Jenny Kennedy, at the annual luncheon at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday (26 April).

Announcing Lorenza as the winner, Jenny said: “Each year the Woman of Rochdale Committee meets to shortlist and choose a winner. Many of the past recipients have been chosen for their charitable works and raising many thousands of pounds for worthy causes.

“This year’s winner has not, to our knowledge, raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes, rather she has tirelessly given of herself in a more practical way.”

She continued: “It is difficult to describe the achievements of our winner without giving the game away too early, so we have just noted some of the comments made by her nominees:

‘She has taken a traumatic experience in her own life and has turned it into an inspiration.’

‘She is very selfless woman and puts everyone else’s needs before her own. She does a lot for others whilst caring for her family.’

‘Despite facing daily battles, she still gives so much of her time voluntarily.’

‘She is extremely positive and works to provide the best for everyone.’

‘She is an inspiration, she does so much for others and has come so far in her journey.’

“She is dedicated to breaking down communication barriers and has created a programme which is a movement towards a more inclusive and understanding community, especially for children and their families.’

“The reason why we couldn’t say what she has actually done is because this year’s Rochdale Woman of the Year is our signer, Lorenza Pye.”

Mum-of-two Lorenza was described in her nominations as “an inspiration,” “working tirelessly” and “very selfless” with one saying: “She puts everyone else’s needs before her own; she does a lot for others whilst caring for her family.

“She is always extremely positive and wants to provide the best for everyone around her.”

Lorenza set up the Eliza Says Rhyme and Sign Classes in 2021 to “break down barriers between SEN [Special Education Needs] and mainstream.”

She became aware of a lack of mainstream sign language use after the birth of her daughter, Eliza, seven, who has CHARGE syndrome, which affects her breathing, eating and hearing.

Eliza was non-verbal for the first few years of her life but now uses British Sign Language and Sign Supported English to communicate.

CHARGE syndrome is a complex genetic condition involving physical disabilities that vary from person to person. Its name refers to a range of symptoms commonly seen in children:

• Coloboma (an eye condition)
• Heart defects
• Atresia choanae (choanal atresia; nasal passages blocked by bone or tissue)
• Retardation (delay) of growth and/or development
• Genital abnormalities
• Ear abnormalities

The Sense charity, which supports people who are deafblind or who have a hearing or vision impairment and another disability, says as many as 120 other symptoms have been identified and not everyone with the condition will develop all of the symptoms.

During lockdown, Lorenza went on to create a free ‘Eliza Says’ app that families can download to learn basic sign language and break down communication barriers.

The Eliza Says sessions teach basic sign language through rhyme, play, song and messy play at venues across the Rochdale, Milnrow and Littleborough. The sessions are suitable for children aged up to six and also provide space for parents to learn sign language and meet other parents.

Lorenza also volunteers her time using sign language to help support deaf adults with cancer and wellbeing groups.

Posting on the Eliza Says Facebook page before the event, Lorenza described her nomination as “an honour” saying: “I'm feeling so blessed and grateful to have even been nominated for such a wonderful award let alone shortlisted, your continued support means the world to me and Eliza.

“I just want to say thank you everyone who has loved and supported me and Eliza over the years; I can't tell you how much it is appreciated, we wouldn't be here without you all.”

“Thank you to everyone who has shared my dream to promote sign language and inclusion.”

For more information about Eliza Says, please visit the Eliza Says Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/elizasays01

Other nominees this year included Kimberley Ashworth, Sarah Graham and Angie McManus.

Toastmaster for the day was Alan Calow whilst guests were entertained by harpist Rachael Gladwin and singer Ali Birchenall.