Lynda Thomas, who was announced yesterday as chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, talks about the women in the charity sector she finds inspirational.

It’s International Women’s Day this weekend and I think it is a good reason as any to celebrate the incredible impact women in the third sector have had on the world. Women currently dominate the sector but the fact is the further up the ladder the more men there are.  Yes they are doing a great job, but I want to highlight some of the females who are great role models to help inspire future generations.

There are of course the household names, such as Mother Teresa, who devoted their lives to others but you may not realise that major charities including Save the Children, Alzheimer's Society, Guide Dogs and the RSPB were all started by women.  And it's not just charity founders and leaders, there are inspiring women throughout every organisation who are often the unsung heroes of our sector. In fact, Macmillan’s flagship fundraiser the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning was developed by a committee of volunteers in 1990 and has raised £139m since it began so a huge thank you to them.

I have just been announced as permanent chief executive at Macmillan Cancer Support and feel hugely lucky to work at such a positive and empowering organisation. I come into contact with inspiration women every day from our tireless volunteers to the women facing huge difficulties throughout their own cancer journeys and of course Macmillan’s team of dedicated staff (our men are great too) so I found it difficult to create a shortlist. I have no doubt you will have many others to add to the list and I would love to hear about them, but here are five women in the sector who I believe have had a positive impact on our world and have inspired me to be the leader I am today:

1. Jane Tomlinson, OBE fundraiser

Jane Tomlinson truly inspired me with her determination to live her life and grab every moment despite a terminal breast cancer diagnosis. She once said ‘life doesn’t end because I’m going to die’.  

I am in awe of people who take what life has thrown at them and turn it in to something amazing, especially when it helps others too.  Before she died Jane raised over £1.5m through challenges such as Cycling across America, tandem bike ride with her brother from Rome to Leeds, plus of course the numerous marathons, triathlons and Ironmans.  Plus she raised a significant amount of awareness helping to engage public support. For me she demonstrated an amazing amount of courage and I’m grateful she let us all into her life.  

2. Morella Kayman MBE, founder of Alzheimer’s Society   

Morella Kayman is a passionate campaigner who has dedicated over 30 years of her life to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. After her husband was diagnosed with the disease she struggled to find any support or information and so in 1979 she co-founded the Alzheimer’s Society with another carer, Cora Phillips. Through her determination Morella has helped to change the world for the better and got people talking about the disease.  Today the charity she helped set up is leading the way in support and research for dementia.

3. Julia Palca, trustee, Macmillan Cancer Support

I’m sorry but I know so many inspirational women at Macmillan that I had to include at least one!  Julia has been a valued member of the Macmillan board which is responsible for overall control and strategic direction since 2001 and in 2010 was elected as chairman. She gives her time so freely to us and as a cancer survivor herself is passionate about in keeping people at the heart of everything we do.  Julia isn’t afraid to ask the tough questions and demand better, using her professional legal expertise and personal experience to help make a positive impact on shaping Macmillan.

4. Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder Kids Company

Camila Batmanghelidjh is a force for change and a fantastic communicator who is an advocate for vulnerable children across the UK. She’s not afraid to speak out about uncomfortable truths. Her commitment, energy and knowledge have helped her and her team raise £146m since 1996 and secured government support as well as recognition from Liberty, Justice and the End Child Poverty project.  The Kids Company journey hasn’t been smooth but Camila’s commitment has helped keep the charity going to deliver the important role of supporting children.

5. Baroness Sue Campbell, chair of Youth Sport Trust

Baroness Campbell is an outspoken ambassador and can be controversial but I like the fact she is truly passionate about helping young people to achieve their full potential in life by delivering high quality physical education and sport opportunities. Not only has she been with the charity since its inception, she’s also a former junior international pentathlete and netball player and went on to represent her country as a player, a coach and a team manager. I am passionate about sport myself and respect Sue for her role in improving access to sport.