This is the story of their resilience in the face of a trauma which could have destroyed them.
Each in their own way found a strength which helped them to overcome a crisis that would change their lives forever.
The podcast explores a whole host of emotive subjects from the raw impact of crime to the realities of war and asks questions about loss, grief, forgiveness and healing.
The episodes therefore include discussions and themes that some listeners may find upsetting, so listener discretion is advised.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Journalist David Hirst speaks to Diane Dernie, the mother of Ben Parkinson, the most severely wounded soldier to survive the war in Afghanistan.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains material related to sensitive or potentially distressing themes. Listener discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Dec 2025
Women of Courage Episode 4 - Sammy Woodhouse
Journalist David Hirst speaks to Sammy Woodhouse, the lady who helped expose the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains material related to sensitive or potentially distressing themes. Listener discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
24 Dec 2025
Women of Courage Episode 3 - Maureen Greeves
Journalist David Hirst speaks to Maureen Greeves, who's husband died following a vicious attack on Christmas Eve in 2012.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains material related to sensitive or potentially distressing themes. Listener discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Dec 2025
Women of Courage Episode 2 - Caroline Willgoose
Journalist David Hirst speaks to Caroline Willgoose, who's son who died following a knife attack at a school in Sheffield in 2025.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains material related to sensitive or potentially distressing themes. Listener discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
10 Dec 2025
Women of Courage Episode 1 - Katy McDermott
Journalist David Hirst speaks to Katy McDermott, who's son Kyle died in a hit and run incident in September 2006.
Woman Of Courage is presented by former Calendar news correspondent and presenter, Yorkshire based journalist and broadcaster David Hirst.
David, who has now retired, started his career at his home town newspaper the Barnsley Chronicle and went on to work for many organisations, including the BBC, Sky News and ITV.
Trigger/Content Warning: This episode contains material related to sensitive or potentially distressing themes. Listener discretion is advised.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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