After capturing hearts across the country when she was surprised on ITV’s Lorraine last week, Sarah Harrison, founder of the charity Sarah’s Star, returned to ITV’s Lorraine show this morning — before attending the prestigious Woman of the Year Awards in London.
Sarah founded her charity after being diagnosed with an incurable illness. Through Sarah’s Star, she has helped hundreds of families across Northern Ireland and the North East of England navigate life-limiting illness with compassion, dignity, and community support.
A Movement Rooted in Compassion
One of Sarah’s most impactful projects has been the Death Café — informal, compassionate gatherings where people come together to share experiences of life and death.
The charity recently hosted a Death Café in Strabane, which Sarah highlighted on Lorraine this morning, helping to raise national awareness of the growing movement to normalise conversations about mortality and grief.
“The minute I walked into Sarah’s Star I could feel the love, warmth and joy that fills the room. Sarah has created something really special.”
— Mark Heyes, ITV Lorraine fashion expert
A Magical Moment in London
Speaking after attending the awards in London, Sarah said:
“The whole experience has been magical — from being surprised by Lorraine to walking into a room full of extraordinary women. Joanne and I were glammed up and completely starstruck meeting Christine Lampard, Alison Hammond, Dame Kelly Holmes, Lucy Punch and Carol Vorderman, but what struck me most was how many people wanted to hear about Sarah’s Star.
It reminded me how powerful it is to talk about the things that matter — even the hard ones.”
Sarah attended the event with her sister Joanne Dunn, who secretly nominated her for the award. The two enjoyed a special evening celebrating alongside women recognised for their resilience, leadership, and compassion.
“Seeing Sarah walk into that room and be recognised for everything she’s done was one of the proudest moments of my life. She’s faced so much but continues to give back to others with strength and compassion. The atmosphere on Lorraine’s show and at the awards was pure joy.”
— Joanne Dunn
About Sarah’s Star
Founded in 2019, Sarah’s Star provides emotional, practical, and social support for individuals and families living with incurable illness.
The charity runs creative wellbeing projects, produces the Living Matters podcast (funded by The Access Foundation), and hosts Death Cafés in communities across Northern Ireland and the North East of England.
Learn more about Sarah’s Star and its work supporting families through compassion and connection.
Inspired?
If you’ve been touched by Sarah’s story, join the growing community that’s helping to change the conversation around life, death, and everything in between.
Follow Sarah’s Star online or visit
Room 11, The Linskill Centre, Linskill Terrace, North Shields NE30 2AY
