85-YEARS-YOUNG BUSINESSWOMAN, AUTHOR AND LONDON FASHION WEEK MODEL WINS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Cotswolds-based Christine Marsh, 85, was presented with the lifetime achievement award at the coveted Women’s Business Club VIP Awards – held at the Church House Westminster, London – an award she was selected for in recognition of her exceptional, long-term contribution to women in business and the wider entrepreneurial community.

With ambitious plans already underway up to 2030, to say Christine Marsh is a ball of youthful energy is an understatement. Her mantra of “I don't know the word ‘can’t’, so I just do!” is contagious to those around her, as she happily resides in her stunning apartment at Brio Retirement Living’s luxury age-exclusive development in the Cotswolds.

Following her award acceptance, Christine shared: “It’s not often I say this, but I was speechless! I am unbelievably honoured to be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award - it confirms I was right to embrace life with both hands and support my fellow females in everything they do. I’m thrilled, thankful and will use the joy I’m feeling to spur me on to continue living life to the fullest.”

Angela De Souza, Founder and CEO of Women's Business Club, also commented: “Christine’s work embodies the qualities this award seeks to honour; integrity, impact, perseverance, and a genuine passion for empowering others. Her vision, service, and lifelong commitment have had a transformative effect on the individuals and communities she has touched. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises the full arc of a woman’s professional journey — celebrating not just what Christine has accomplished, but the lasting positive change she has created.”

Christine is an inspirational woman with a past full of phenomenal life experiences, a highly successful career, world-wide travel and a life changing near-death experience. After the traumatic loss of her husband on 22nd December 2020, who she met at just 17 years old, Christine made the decision to move from their large 4-bedroom Cotswold stone property on a country estate, to a luxury apartment at Beechwood Park in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Beechwood Park is a later-living development full of characters not too dissimilar to the Thursday Murder Club, and it’s her life here which she credits for giving her the time and headspace to put ambitious plans into place, showcasing how fulfilling later life can be.

Christine shared: “Before I moved, I did lots of research and visited lots of properties – many of which I found very depressing as they seemed to be a one-way ticket to nowhere. I’d written down my wish list and was thrilled when I visited Beechwood Park as it genuinely ticked every one of them! I craved space, a balcony, stunning views, within walking distance of a village, plus a lively community spirit – and that’s exactly what I’ve got. It really is perfect here.”

Breaking the mould, Christine also used her move to Beechwood Park to advance her career as an author and published her first book in 2023. Entitled ‘Flashpoints Transformation: Life’s Choices’, Christine included extracts from her challenging nomadic childhood. Her father served in the military, and she was born during his time in India. She had a variety of educational experiences in both Singapore and the UK, as his postings determined where her family moved to, but this also meant she had the wonderful opportunity to experience life in different countries and explore different cultures.

Her book also focuses on the impact of her life’s experiences as a daughter, sister, wife to Colin, mother to Alison and Rachel, her life as a corporate highflyer, and starting her own business – Prime Objectives – at 50.

She continued: “Everyone makes their own decisions about how they use their life, and I decided at the age of 84 to become a model. I signed up to Buzz Talent, and my agency has featured me in photoshoots, a music video for Yungblud, and I modelled at London Fashion Week in September. It was a dream come true and I was thrilled to walk for fashion house, House of Aristocrats by designer Pharaoh Farrukh. I wore a stunning outfit designed especially for me with intricate embroidery and layered fabric. I walked alongside models aged 18 – 85 and it was such good fun!”

So, what’s next for Christine? She has set about her latest ambitious five-year plan which includes being a figurehead for the United Nations and raising awareness on later-life choices. Christine concludes: “Beechwood Park has given me more freedom than I ever anticipated, and I truly love every day here. Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction. Each moment is a fresh new beginning, and I can’t wait for my next challenge”.

Beechwood Park is an age-exclusive community, situated in the picturesque market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, in the Cotswolds. The stunning development features a collection of homes, where a number of one, two and three-bedroom apartments are available to buy, rent or part buy/part rent. All two and three-bedroom bungalows here are now sold out.

All homes come with their own outdoor space as well as access to landscaped gardens; there is also an extensive range of facilities including a contemporary wellness suite, hobby room, roof terrace, landscaped gardens, fitness studio and outdoor exercise trail, plus the Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge.

Beechwood Park offers modern, stylish retirement, whilst the team on hand can offer a range of care and support packages if or when required.