Winners and Runners-Up announced

Our finalists gathered at the iconic Tower of London on November 20th to enjoy a day of celebration as we congratulated the winners and runners-up in this year’s Charity Heroes Awards.

It was an inspiring event, hosted by Dr Andy Cope from the Art of Brilliance with speeches from Annasley Park, former professional racing cyclist and solo adventurer, and Mark Hews, CEO of the Benefact Group. Representatives from around the Benefact Group came to meet the finalists and were thrilled to present the winners’ prizes.

We felt very privileged to welcome so many people who work every day to make such impactful change in the lives of others.

Congratulations our winners and runners-up.

A unforgettable event

Everyone enjoyed a truly inspirational day honouring such amazing people and the charities they represent.

Charity awards video Play Video

Winners and Runners-Up

We’ve recognised those who’ve made exceptional contributions across the categories listed below. Each award is supported by a business in our Group1. Winning charities in each category received £5,000 and runners up received £1,000.

Founder of the Year

Recognising the incredible individuals who have founded impactful charities, we’re looking for founders who have used their drive and passion to create organisations making a lasting and meaningful difference for beneficiaries.
Founder of the year 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
Andrew Wallis, Unseen (UK) receiving his Charity Heroes award

Winner

Andrew Wallis, Unseen (UK)
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Jenny Rayner, The Lucy Rayner Foundation and Maggie Darling, Smart Works Scotland receiving their Charity Heroes awards

Runners-up

Jenny Rayner, The Lucy Rayner Foundation
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Maggie Darling, Smart Works Scotland
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Climate Action Initiative

We’re looking for innovative projects that are tackling the climate crisis and promoting long term sustainability. This could be in any area of climate – from community education, nature restoration to adaptation.
Climate Action Initiative 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
Grace Cares CIC receiving their Charity Heroes awards

Winner

Grace Cares CIC
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Borders Forest Trust and WWT receiving their Charity Heroes awards

Runners-up

Borders Forest Trust
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WWT
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Triumph Through Adversity

We’re looking for an outstanding charity that has shown resilience by overcoming a challenge or difficulty it faced in the last year, coming out the other end stronger and still delivering amazing impact for its beneficiaries.
Triumph through adversity 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
Vida Sheffield receiving their charity heroes award

Winner

Vida Sheffield
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South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services and The Matthew 25 Mission receiving their charity heroes award

Runners-up

South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Services
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The Matthew 25 Mission
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Fundraiser of the Year

We’re looking for individuals who have not only delivered great financial results in the last year, but have shown collaboration, strategic thinking and creativity in their approach. (Note: By fundraiser, we mean professionals or volunteers in charge of organising and running fundraising campaigns).
Fundraiser of the year 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
Martin Edwards, Julia’s House Limited receiving their Charity Heroes Award

Winner

Martin Edwards, Julia’s House Limited
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Jill McGrath, YMCA Tayside and Nic Clarke, Cancer Research Wales receiving their charity heroes award

Runners-up

Jill McGrath, YMCA Tayside
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Nic Clarke, Cancer Research Wales
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Partnership of the Year

We’re looking for an outstanding partnership between two organisations who have collaborated in the last year to make a positive impact. The partnership may take many forms including a company and a charity, or two charities working together.
Partnership of the year 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
The Anne Robson Trust & Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust receiving their Charity Heroes award

Winner

The Anne Robson Trust & Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
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Berkshire Vision & Newbury Velo and Teens Unite Fighting Cancer & Kinovo Limited receiving their Charity Heroes Award

Runners-up

Berkshire Vision & Newbury Velo
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Teens Unite Fighting Cancer & Kinovo Limited
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Trustee of the Year

We’re looking for outstanding trustees who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact for their charity.
Trustee of the year 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
Jennie Henderson, Stepping Stones North Wales receiving her charity heroes award

Winner

Jennie Henderson, Stepping Stones North Wales
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Jan Kerr, Homelands Trust-Fife and Mimi McCord, Heartburn Cancer UK receiving their charity heroes awards

Runners-up

Jan Kerr, Homelands Trust-Fife
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Mimi McCord, Heartburn Cancer UK
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Colleagues’ choice

Benefact Group colleagues will be able to vote for their favourite charity from those presented by our very own ‘Giving Superstars’ (employees who have gone over and above supporting their favourite causes).
Colleagues Choice 2025 - Charity Heroes Awards
The Grand Appeal receiving their Charity Heroes Awards

Winner

The Grand Appeal
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Dr Andy Cope, sir Stephen Lamport and representatives from the Colleagues choice charities

Runners-up

The Hygiene Bank
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Unique Kidz & Co
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1Givestar is a digital fundraising platform, not a business in the Benefact Group. The Group is an investor in Givestar.

2024 Winners and runners-up

Our finalists gathered at the iconic Tower of London to enjoy a day of celebration as we congratulated the winners and runners-up in our Charity Heroes Awards.

See the winners and runners up