Benefact Group Celebrates Inspiring Winners of the 2025 Charity Heroes Awards

21 NOV 2025

The Benefact Group has honoured 21 extraordinary charities at its 2025 Charity Heroes Awards, held yesterday (Thursday 20 November) at the iconic Tower of London. The ceremony brought together inspirational leaders, fundraisers, trustees, and community champions whose work is transforming lives across the UK and Ireland. 

Hosted by Dr Andy Cope of The Art of Brilliance, the event featured powerful speeches from solo adventurer and former professional cyclist Annasley Park, alongside Benefact Group CEO, Mark Hews. Finalists were joined by representatives from across the Group, who proudly presented prizes to the winners.

Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, said:

“Hosting our second Charity Heroes Awards at the Tower of London was an incredible privilege. It was humbling, energising and inspiring to recognise unsung heroes in the charity sector and hear how they are changing the world we live in. These charities stood out for their passion, commitment and impact. We hope these awards will support them to continue their brilliant work.”

“Charitable giving enabled by our expert businesses defines our purpose. Owned by a charity ourselves, all our available profits go to good causes. The more our family of specialist financial services companies grows, the more the Benefact Group can give.”

2025 Benefact Group Charity Heroes Award Winners:

Founder of the Year Winner:

• Andrew Wallis, Unseen (UK) – recognised for creating lasting impact through visionary leadership.

Runners-up:

• Jenny Rayner, The Lucy Rayner Foundation
• Maggie Darling, Smart Works Scotland

Climate Action Initiative Winner:

• Grace Cares CIC – awarded for innovative projects tackling the climate crisis and driving sustainability.

Runners-up:

• Borders Forest Trust
• WWT

Triumph Through Adversity Winner:

• Vida Sheffield – honoured for resilience in overcoming challenges while continuing to deliver vital support.

Runners-up:

• South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services
• The Matthew 25 Mission

Fundraiser of the Year Winner:

• Martin Edwards, Julia’s House Limited – recognised for creativity, collaboration, and outstanding fundraising success.

Runners-up:

• Jill McGrath, YMCA Tayside
• Nic Clarke, Cancer Research Wales

Partnership of the Year Winner:

• The Anne Robson Trust & Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – celebrated for a powerful collaboration making a positive impact.

Runners-up:

• Berkshire Vision & Newbury Velo
• Teens Unite Fighting Cancer & Kinovo Limited

Trustee of the Year Winner:

• Jennie Henderson, Stepping Stones North Wales – recognised for exceptional leadership and dedication.

Runners-up:

• Jan Kerr, Homelands Trust-Fife
• Mimi McCord, Heartburn Cancer UK

Colleagues’ Choice Winner:

• The Grand Appeal – chosen by Benefact Group employees for its inspiring work.

Runners-up:

• The Hygiene Bank
• Unique Kidz & Co

Paul Lynes, Benefact Group Development and Communications Director said:

“There was so much to love about yesterday, but one of my favourite moments was speaking with one of the charity leaders who described exactly what makes our Charity Heroes Awards unique, echoing the principles we set when designing them two years ago.

“She talked about how refreshing it was to attend an event that truly puts charities first: no charging for tables, support with travel expenses, an atmosphere that is authentic and celebratory, and the chance to connect with like‑minded organisations. Most importantly, she highlighted the recognition given to the incredible work charities do, and the sense of belonging to a wider community for good. That feedback perfectly captured our vision, an awards programme that feels inclusive, supportive, and genuinely different from anything else in the sector.”

Since 2014, Benefact Group has donated over £250 million to charitable causes, making it the UK’s third-biggest corporate giver in the past decade.

Charity Heroes Awards is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.

***ENDS***

Notes:

Imaged attached shows attendees celebrating the end of the award ceremony, featuring charity finalists, Benefact Group staff, guest speakers and other invitees.

The Charity Heroes Awards celebrate charities across the UK and Ireland who work tirelessly to make positive change.

More information: benefactgroup.com/awards

 

About Benefact Group

1. ​​Benefact Group is an independent, specialist financial services group that exists to give all its available profits to charity.
2. Owned by a registered charity, Benefact Trust, Benefact Group’s family of businesses provide specialist insurance, investment management and broking and advisory services in the UK, Australia, Canada and Ireland.
3. Benefact Group is the third-largest corporate donor to charity in the UK over the past decade, according to the UK Guide to Company Giving 2023/24. It has donated over £250m to charity since 2014.
4. Many businesses say they are different. Benefact Group really is. Find out why here benefactgroup.com
5. The Benefact Group family of brands includes:
   • Ecclesiastical UK
   • Ecclesiastical Canada
   • Ecclesiastical Ireland
   • Ansvar UK
   • Ansvar Australia
   • EdenTree Investment Management
   • SEIB Insurance Brokers
   • Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services
   • Ecclesiastical Planning Services Ltd
   • Lycetts Insurance Brokers
   • Lycetts Financial Services
   • Lloyd & Whyte