The Carol Fittes Award: Celebrating our dearest friend just as she deserves

By Melissa Aitchison

At Nurture Media we had been wanting to honour our wonderful friend and colleague Carol Fittes. It was really important to us recognise her kindness in business, as this was a defining feature of Carol’s personality. So, when we heard about the BNI Midlands Awards we thought it only right that we suggest an award for kindness in her memory.

 Carol at her wedding.

Carol was such an amazing person – a true inspiration to us all. She had a profoundly caring nature, and her kind-hearted personality made her build bonds in business that were both unique and special, and often so hard to come by. Her sister Katie who was lucky enough to have her as her sister and her boss, describes how “she was never without a warm smile, an encouraging word and a friendly ear for anyone that knew her.”

For us, Carol has always been a true representation that kindness is strength. She had been one of the driving forces behind the previous version of Nurture Media, as she had been heavily involved in the company since 2003. Her creativity always shone through as she brought her great imagination to her work.

Carol was also an award winner herself as she had won the title of the UK’s ‘most exceptional working mum’ back in 2006. This award had meant so much to her as she was told from very early on in her life, that she would never have children. But she proved the doctors wrong and became a wonderful mother to two boys and was able to become a successful businesswoman too.

The BNI Midlands Award was the perfect way to remember her as she loved being a part of BNI. She was a brilliant networker as she had a talent for building genuine connections and was always so lovely to speak to. There is no doubt therefore that this award is a fitting tribute to her.

We were delighted that the marvellous Steve Saul became the first recipient of this award. And he is a truly fitting winner. As Katie says: “Steve has those same qualities of kindness and generosity, and Carol knew and loved him too, which makes it all the more special.”

Steve Saul with his Carol Fittes BNI award.
  Steve Saul with his Carol Fittes BNI Award.

Steve won the award back in 2021 so we are really excited to see who will win it this year and in the many years to come. We would also like to say a special thank you to everyone at BNI who helped make the award happen.

Beyond the award we can remember Carol in many different ways.

On a personal note, one of my fondest memories is sitting next to her (the maid of honour) at my mum and dad’s wedding but I also remember the little moments filled with ordinary amounts of happiness like going round to her house to watch the Strictly final or at Christmas to play games. – I will cherish these moments forever.

We will never forget you Carol; your memory lives in all our hearts forever.

Good news always matters.