THE great niece of a woman who died trying to secure universal suffrage has spoken of how that act profoundly affected her life on the centenary of women getting the vote.

Tracy Williams, of Steeple Ashton, happens to be a relation of Emily Wilding Davison, who died after throwing herself under the Kings horse at the Epsom Derby in 1913.

The manager of Trowbridge Oaks Care Home said that when she found out that she was related to the iconic figure at a young age, from that point onwards she was an avowed feminist.

“From a young age, my family told me about the importance of what she did and what the whole suffragette movement was about. I am proud to be related to her,” she said.

“Even though she died before women got the vote, I think she would be proud to see how far the movement has come.

“What she did for women everywhere has had a hugely positive impact in society.

“100 years after she died, me and my daughter we went to her grave in Morpeth, Northumberland, and they unveiled a plaque there which was lovely.

“Apparently my great grandfather was at her funeral but I do not know of any other family saying they met her or anything.”

At her work place, Mrs Williams says she tells her colleagues about what she did and how important it is to vote.

“Even if you may feel disenchanted with politicians, it is so important to vote. Emily died for the very right to get the vote and I feel honoured to say I was related to her,” she said.

“I have been a nurse for 39 years and at Trowbridge Oaks for 21 years and I tell people how important voting is and this little bombshell I have.”