A Cheshire-based children’s holiday club owner is celebrating a year of professional
triumph while overcoming major surgery.
Helen Wilson (41) and her Fun Fest Cheshire franchise have won nine awards in the
past 12 months, as well as reaching the finals in a further eight categories.
Her remarkable success story comes amidst her private health battle – culminating
in a life-changing operation.
“This year has definitely been one for the books,” said Helen, who lives in Weston.
“I have experienced the most incredible highs – standing on stages all over the UK
and growing our franchise in three territories. Behind the scenes, however, I’ve been
living with a fibroid the size of a gala melon while preparing for a full hysterectomy.
“My amazing husband, Westly, has been my rock throughout my recovery. I would
love to publicly thank him, as well as our brilliant team of 60-plus staff and all the
schools, parents and families who have continued to back our business in the most
incredible way.”
Helen’s award wins at a local, regional and national level include being crowned The
Cheshire Club’s ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’, ‘Disruptive Franchisee of the Year’ at the
Disruptive Franchise Awards, and a winner at the Great British Franchisee Awards.
She was also highly commended in the ‘Franchisee Trailblazer’ category at the
British Franchise Awards (BFAs).
“That one was a true honour for us, as the BFAs are the most prestigious event in
the franchising world,” said Helen, who is now four months post-surgery. “Going to
these events amongst peers and friends has been wonderful! Every time I have put a
sparkly dress on, I remind myself of just how far I have come both personally and
professionally.”
Operating across Cheshire West and Stockport, Fun Fest Cheshire offers a choice of
more than 50 different active, creative and adventurous activity sessions for children
so they can design their own programme.
Club locations include The Grange Junior School at Hartford, as well as Hartford Manor Primary School and Cransley School, Great Budworth.
“I’ve been called a ‘disruptor’ and a ‘trailblazer’ by awards judges – and I embody
both of those titles!” said Helen. “Westly and I have big plans for 2025, with some
major announcements in the pipeline that are going to be hugely exciting for families
in Cheshire and beyond. For me, entrepreneurialism is all about backing yourself,
taking chances and delivering excellence. I am very grateful that the industry award
panels have seen our commitment to those values.”
Helen said she is now looking forward to her first Christmas in years without any
significant pain, as she continues to make strides towards regaining full physical
health.
“I am working out with my personal trainer again and feeling the best I have in years.
I have been very open about my hysterectomy journey on my social media pages, as
I know it helps other women who are facing similar health challenges. I have made
peace with not having children and my post-op body and, heading into the New Year,
I feel confident and happy about the future.”
Full awards list
Winners
Federation of Small Businesses – ‘Franchise Business Award in the North West’
Disruptive Franchise Awards – ‘Disruptive Franchisee of the Year’
Great British Franchisee Awards – Winner
The Family Network – ‘Networker of the Year’
Créme De La Créme Cheshire Business Awards 2024 – ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’
Virtual Franchising Awards – ‘Bronze Franchisee of the Year’
Fun Fest Franchising – ‘Scaling Up’, ‘Biggest Club’ and ‘Franchisee of the Year’
Highly Commended
British Franchise Awards – ‘Franchisee Trailblazer’
Finalists
Federation of Small Businesses – ‘National Franchise Business Award’
NatWest EWiF – ‘Franchisee of the Year’
Club Hub – ‘Franchisee of the Year’
She Inspires – ‘Women in Business – High Growth’
The Family Network – ‘Franchisee of the Year’ and ‘Against All Odds’
Cheshire Woman Award – ‘Community’ category
Image credit: Slice of Pie Photography
