Much-loved surgeon Kate Fussell to receive a star on Wigan’s Walk of Fame

And a plaque is to be unveiled at the Museum of Wigan Life for pit brow lass Rita Culshaw.

Kate Fussell, known to all simply as Miss Fussell, was revered - but loved- by everyone who knew her.

A pioneering surgeon she was the first woman to carry out operations in the theatres of Wigan’s hospitals. Last year she celebrated her 90th birthday with a special celebration organised by the local Soroptimists, an organisation she has also been involved with for decades.

Born in Bristol in 1929, she was accepted to read medicine at Birmingham University aged just 17 and came to Wigan in 1970 to become consultant surgeon general.

At the time she was one of just six female surgeons in the country but had always shown impressive determination to break down barriers.

She said: “I did not think much of the physics and chemistry teaching at my first school, so I persuaded my dad to send me to an all boys school where the science teaching was better.”

Before arriving in the borough she spent five years working in New York City and credited that Stateside experience with helping her land the top job at Wigan Infirmary.

She went on to perform a series of top NHS roles, including chairing the medical executive committee and the area medical committee.

Her incredible career was also recognised by Wigan Council in 2000 when she was one of 10 notable borough residents made freemen of the borough as part of the millennium celebrations.

She was also named a Lady of Substance by The Lady magazine in 2015.

Wigan Council’s chief executive Alison McKenzie-Folan said: “These celebrations are a fantastic way to showcase women in the borough and is a great opportunity for residents to come together and celebrate their achievements.

“As a council, we have a great track record of offering opportunities to women.

“I’m the third consecutive female chief executive of the council, while 14 of the 24 senior management team positions are currently held by women.

“That is why it’s vital we take the lead on events like International Women’s Day that aim to empower women to live in an equal and enabled world.”

The council’s commitment to promoting equality within the workforce was recognised in last year’s Northern Power Women’s Awards when it picked up the Large Organisation award for raising awareness and encouraging behaviour change, demonstrated through the #BelieveInHer campaign.

The #EachForEqual theme will be promoted at the Fire Within through features by Ashton Girls Group and an inspirational film created by Leigh Film Society.

Meanwhile, curators Al & Al, will be talking about the current ‘Love is a Rebellious Bird’ exhibition, before hosting a tour of the cultural HQ.

Councillor Nazia Rehman, cabinet member for Resources, Finance and Transformation, who herself was included on the Northern Power Women (NPW) 2019 Power List, has hailed the celebrations.

She is one of 100 women that NPW has recognised in making a difference within communities, raising awareness of gender equality across the north of England.

She said: “The plans we have in place for the day show what fantastic and talented women we have in the borough. The unveiling of Kate’s star is fitting for all she has done in breaking down barriers and stereotypes and inspiring young girls to follow in her footsteps.”

Pit Brow Lass Rita Culshaw was recognised in 2018 when the council marked the centenary of women given the right to vote.

Her plaque will be unveiled for the first time in its permanent place at the Museum of Wigan Life as part of the IWD celebrations.

To learn more about International Women’s Day, visit www.internationalwomensday.com