A WREXHAM-based stuntwoman says her plan for the UK's first-ever awards event honouring those working in the stunts industry is 'going really well'.

Back in April, the Leader spoke to Laura O'Donnell about how she wanted to shine a spotlight on her fellow stuntspeople.

Down the years, Laura - who is from Cefn Mawr - has rubbed shoulders with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom and Keanu Reeves during her career to date.

But, as the pandemic first struck in March 2020, the 38-year-old had no other choice but to return home to North Wales.

The mother-of-five hopes to return to Hollywood in the near future and has just recently released her own book entitled 'Being Laura'.

However, she is also currently working on setting up what will be the very first awards ceremony for UK located professional stunt artists/actors. 

READ MORE: What it's like spending time with the Extraordinary O'Donnell's

Whilst there are several different awards events around the world, there are no stunt-related categories. Currently, only one solo international award ceremony exists.

The main aim of the Valkyrie Stunt Awards - set up by Laura - will be to help get some well-deserved recognition for those who put their bodies on the line for the entertainment of others.

There are currently about 400 qualified stunt performers in the UK, according to the British Stunt Register's member list but there is no dedicated awards ceremony in place for them.

Speaking on how planning is going for the event, Laura said: "It’s going really well, there have certainly been a few challenges but we are working through them.

"There are several different things that we have had to think about. It is important to us to get it right in the first place. We want people to enjoy the event but more importantly, we want people to help celebrate the stunt industry."

The Leader: Laura O'Donnell.Laura O'Donnell. (Image: Laura O'Donnell.)

PIC: Laura O'Donnell during her recent day out with Everrati.

Laura has just recently managed to secure Everrati as one of the sponsors for the awards. 

They specialise in restoring and modifying existing classic cars for customers to enable them to be used and enjoyed in a low carbon world.

Laura, who of course also took the cars for a spin in true stuntwoman fashion, added: "It’s an amazing achievement to get Everrati onboard, we feel privileged to have a partnership that also benefits the environment in terms of sustainable transportation. I think the Valkyrie Stunt Award guests will have a treat, it's not often you get the chance to be picked up in a classic electric car!

"I recently got the opportunity to try out the Land Rover Series IIA and the Porsche Signature Gulf Edition 911 - both amazing vehicles. I also had the opportunity to also see their other cars such as Shelby GT40. 

"The day went amazingly well, despite the rain. In fact, I would say a bit of surface water certainly made it more fun!  I think the drifting and take off was my favourite part. I could do that all day!"

The first-ever Valkyrie Stunt Awards will be taking place on April 27, 2023, at a London-based venue to be confirmed in due course.

The book on Laura's life is also set to be turned into a film in 2023, adding even more excitement to what will be another very busy year for the mum-of-five.

She said: "I hope it will inspire and encourage others to pursue any path they want in life. It’s always been about getting people to know that nothing is impossible - you just have to believe in yourself first.

For more information on the event, visit: https://www.thevalkyriestuntawards.org/about