Friday 29 May 2009

fpa is delighted to announce that the winner of the Rosemary Goodchild Award 2009 for excellence in journalism is Andrew Neather for his article in the Evening Standard entitled 'The kindest cut for a family man like me' – a personal and honest account of his experience of being sterilised. Andrew will receive a cheque for £500 at fpa’s annual Summer Reception at the House of Lords on Tuesday 16 June.

fpa’s guest judge Jane Kirby, Health Correspondent, Press Association said:
 
“Andrew’s article was an honest, humorous and deeply personal insight into the emotional and physical aspects of being sterilised. As well as being entertaining, Andrew offered a refreshingly uncompromising viewpoint that looked at the myriad insecurities and concerns men may have. The judges felt that any man reading the article thinking about male sterilisation would identify with Andrew's experience in a very positive way."

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive, fpa said:

“This article was perfectly pitched for male readers and was very empowering. All of the judges thought that this article gave men a no nonsense, accurate account of the sterilisation procedure.”

The Rosemary Goodchild Prize was established by the family of former fpa Press Officer, Rosemary Goodchild, who died of ovarian cancer in 1988. The members of the judging panel this year were: Jane Kirby, Health Correspondent of the Press Association, Marc Goodchild (son of Rosemary), Julie Bentley, Chief Executive fpa, and Rebecca Findlay, Press and Campaigns Manager fpa.

                                -ENDS-

For further information please contact fpa’s press office on 020 7608 5265/5264.
Mobile 07958 921060.

fpa (Family Planning Association) is the only registered charity working to improve the sexual health and reproductive rights of all people throughout the UK.

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