A CELEBRATION of International Women's Day is taking place at Crathorne Hall on Wednesday, March 8 to raise money for women fleeing abuse.

Stockton-based law firm Endeavour Partnership is hosting the event at the hotel, near Yarm, to celebrate and empower women while raising money for domestic abuse services.

Professor Jane Turner, pro vice-chancellor from Teesside University, will join Caroline Theobald CBE, who will be interviewing a panel of local business women discussing their career progression and equality.

The event, which has already sold out, will include a raffle raising money for Middlesbrough charity, My Sister's Place.

The specialist domestic violence charity was established in 2002, and helps women and children to live safely and free from abuse.

The charity works in partnership with various organisations to tackle domestic violence. Now celebrating their 15th Year, My Sister’s Place supports over 1,000 women each year through advocacy, support, therapeutic services, women’s groups and training.

Michelle O’Rourke, service development manager at My Sister’s Place, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as Endeavour’s charity for their International Women’s Day event as this is a key date in our charity’s calendar. As we celebrate our 15th year, we are pleased to be celebrating with Endeavour and their guests.

“The money raised will contribute to providing much needed support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. We would like to thank Endeavour for their support and look forward to working with them.”

Laura Kirkpatrick, an employment solicitor from Endeavour Partnership came up with the idea of Endeavour hosting their first International Women’s Day event and said: “Our overall aim is to bring together women to share stories, empower each other and celebrate the diversity that Teesside has to offer.”