Dawn Saunders, from Winkfield, has stood out as she made her way through the ranks of the Territorial Army, which she joined in 1994 and in which she currently holds the post of second in command of the Berkshire Yeomanry.

She has now been recognised for her work as a nominee in Sue Ryder’s eighth annual Women of Achievement Awards volunteering category.

Marketing officer for Sue Ryder Miriam Payne said: “The amount of voluntary time that Dawn gives to the Territorial Army is immense, always putting her soldiers before herself and ensuring that their wellbeing is fully looked after, again giving much of her valuable own time to help individuals with personal welfare problems.

“Dawn has been instrumental in helping younger women settle in to the Territorial Army and makes certain that they are given equal opportunity in all aspects of military life within the unit in which she serves.” Ms Saunders is also the district commissioner for the Girl Guide Association in Bracknell and is responsible for nine units of Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers – which she balances with family life and a full-time job.

Recognised for her commitment and achievement within the army, Ms Saunders made it her mission to give as much time as she could to individuals and their families and earned respect from senior officers and junior soldiers for her work. She progressed to become warrant officer and gained the rare achievement of an officer’s commission in 2011.

The Women of Achievement awards are organised by the Sue Ryder charity, which offers hospice and neurological care to people diagnosed with a life-changing illness. Now in their eighth year, the awards recognise the achievements of women in business, sport and in the community. The awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, March 19, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Marlow.