The Soroptimists in Epsom have paid tribute to suffragette martyr Emily Davison on their centenary celebrations this Sunday (September 5).

Soroptimist International Epsom and District members gathered at the statue of women's rights icon Davison, which was unveiled earlier this year, to mark the occasion.

The group also revealed they had made a donation of funds to the Surrey History Centre for the purchase of a copy of the activist newspaper ‘The Suffragette’, dated June 13, 1913.

The 1913 edition covered the news of Emily Davison's fatal collision with the King's horse during a protest she staged at Epsom Downs race course on June 4, 1913. She died four days later, on June 8.

"The statue of Emily acknowledges the efforts of suffragettes to obtain some recognition for women of their true role in society," Diana Porter, a Soroptimists member for 47 years, said.

"We were pleased to donate funds to the Surrey History Centre enabling them to purchase ‘The Suffragette’ dated 13 June 1913 which documented Emily stepping out in front of the King’s horse on 4 June 1913, causing her fatal injuries," she added.

The Soroptimists are a voluntary women's organisation aimed at "improving the lives of women and girls" around the world through various projects.

They boast some 72,000 members globally, including those of Epsom and District chapter.

The borough group in recent years have focused on pertinent issues impacting women in the area including supporting three domestic abuse charities: True Honour, East Surrey Domestic Abuse Services and Reigate and Banstead Women’s Aid.

The group also recently donated items to pregnant Afghan women refugees arriving in the UK.

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