Honour killing trial witness wins Ultimate Women’s Warrior award

Mother became first person to waive her anonymity after sister was murdered in honour killing.

A volunteer at a Molesey football club, who testified against her family in an honour-based murder trial, has won an award for her bravery.

Sarbjit Athwal, 44, was named the Ultimate Women’s Warrior in the Cosmopolitan Magazine Ultimate Women of the Year Awards on Thursday December 5.

The mother-of-four became the first person to go into open court and waive her anonymity in 2007 after her sister-in-law was murdered in an honour killing.

In 2008 Miss Athwal became a police community support officer and earlier this year started running the tea bar at the Met Police Football Club’s base in East Molesey, after DCI Clive Driscoll, senior investigating officer in her case, asked her.

Last week, she was invited with other nominees to have afternoon tea at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Samantha Cameron.

“She is really nice and understanding,” Miss Athwal said. “She spoke to each of us and there were eight or nine in total.”

The awards ceremony on Thursday last week was held at the Victoria & Albert Museum, and Miss Athwal said lots of celebrities were on hand to keep her and her guest, her 16-year-old daughter, doing double-takes.

She said: “It was just a magic atmosphere. My 60 seconds seemed so unreal.

“I did feel nervous because when they read out what you have done all the emotions come back.”

On stage, Miss Athwal said a few words to thank those present who voted for her.

Back to reality, she said on Monday she returned to Imber Court where she was showered with congratulations by the community.

“Everybody was really nice, they said ‘congratulations, we are so proud of you’.

“The chairman congratulated me as well when I went to the club. It’s nice to be recognised in that kind of way.

“I am the tea lady there but outside what I do it is nice to be recognised, it feels good.”

Apprentice star and businesswoman Karren Brady presented Miss Athwal with her award and introduced her to the audience.

Miss Athwal has plans to start her own charity, helping victims of abuse.

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