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Leicestershire Community Champions Awards 2025

The Leicestershire Community Champions Awards celebrate local heroes who have made a significant impact on their community. 


Save the Date:  Awards evening on Thursday 13th November 2025


Charity of the Year - Sponsored by Furnley House

Open to registered charities only. The winner of this category will receive a grant and support from Furnley House throughout the next 12 months, including at the Summer Ball.

 

A Leicestershire based charity that can demonstrate a commitment and ability to making a difference. This charity should provide services that are needed in their local area. They may have fundraised or raised awareness in an innovative way. The charity should be able to show how they have made a difference.


Longlist

ADAPT Prembabies
Love4Life
Freeva - Free from Violence and Abuse
Leicester City in the Community
Menphys
One Roof Leicester


Charity Employee of the Year - Sponsored by Hollingsworths.

A person that works for a specific charity that has gone above and beyond. Must be employed by a registered charity.

 

This employee should constantly deliver for their charity and go above and beyond and is expected of them. They should be able to demonstrate how they’ve made a difference to the charity and in the local community.

 

Finalists 

Kerrie Fretter - Leicester South Foodbank

Tracey Hallam – Hope Against Cancer

Sam Squire – Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People 

 

Young Fundraiser of the Year 

Anyone aged between 7 and 18 that has raised a significant amount for charity or has used an innovative way to fundraise, raise awareness and inspire the community.

 

A young community fundraiser who has created positive change and fundraised for a charity close to their heart. They may have used their initiative and creativity and be an inspirational member of their community.


Finalists 

Max & Tate Jones
Pippa Bramley-Brown
Shaylene Burbidge

Fundraiser of the Year - Sponsored by VIP Award Partner Mark J Rees.

An individual over the age of 18, who does not work for the charity, that has raised a significant amount for charity or has used an innovative way to fundraise, raise awareness and inspire the community.

 

A community fundraiser who has created positive change and fundraised for a charity or cause close to their heart. They may have used their initiative and creativity to raise money and should be able to demonstrate what difference have they made.


Finalists 

Rob Owen
Ryan Archer
Tilly Dowler 


Volunteer of the Year 

A person that has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference in their community – any age. Someone who has volunteered their time and supported a local cause in need.

 

This person should have demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in their local area. This could be by volunteering, providing assistance, delivering a service for those in need, or just generally going above and beyond. 

 

Finalists 

Allan Graham
Eric Hall
Sharron Nickols


Trustee of the Year 

A Trustee of a registered charity that has gone above and beyond in their role.


They should be able to demonstrate how they’ve made a positive difference to the charity and the local community. This could be by volunteering, providing assistance, delivering a service for those in need, or just generally doing more than is expected.

 

Finalists 

Jean Voller

John Montague

Rebecca Middleton

 

Environmental Project of the Year

A project that is making a valuable difference to making our community a more environmentally sustainable place to live, work and enjoy.

 

For this award we are looking for a person or organisation who has an effective purpose-driven approach to sustainability and is making a positive change to the environment. We are looking at energy use reduction, conservation, sustainable supply chain and a reduction of carbon footprint.


Finalists 

Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire

Eyres Monsell Green Gym

Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital Trust


Community Organisation of the Year - Sponsored by GQG Partners

A local club or not for profit organisation (not a registered charity) that has made a difference to the local community.

 

For this award we are looking for a local community organisation that has offered their support to local people and area.

 

Finalists 

Café Fifty Five

Riders of Shaam

Team Hub CIC



Trustees Choice Award

A finalist, chosen by the Furnley House Foundation Trustees, who really stands out for their hard work and dedication.



Thank You to our Sponsors 

Community Supporters

T Rowe Price 


VIP Award Partners 

Mark J Rees 


Award Sponsors 

GQG Partners

Hollingsworths.

WBR Group


AV Sponsors 

Pulse AV


 

Why take part in the Awards?

For Charities

£5,000 grant for Charity of the Year winner


Exclusive support package from the Furnley House Foundation (worth over £27,000 for the winner and £11,000 for runners up in 2024)


Recognition that boosts your profile and fundraising potential


A morale boost for your team and volunteers

Celebrate your achievements publicly


For Individuals

Public recognition for your dedication

Inspire others in your community

Be part of Leicestershire’s most uplifting night of the year.