Clare Abbott
Clare Abbott defies chronic illness to lead a team of volunteers to support communities in Stoke-on-Trent.
She has been the Charity Manager at The Hive in Blurton for three and a half years, setting up projects to support countless people of all ages and needs.
Stay and play sessions, knit and natter groups, affordable food bags to support people living in food poverty and gentle exercise sessions are just some of the things she has introduced.
The work is supported by a diverse team of 41 volunteers including an 85-year-old and members of the Muslim and LGBTQ communities.
This is against the backdrop of Clare working through Crohn’s disease and having surgery to remove part of her intestine.
“I do try to fly the flag that lots of people have chronic illnesses and still continue with their life,” said Clare. “Some of our volunteers also have chronic illnesses.”
Clare has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Ann Robertson of Voice of Hope.
Ann said: “Clare is an outstanding community champion who gives endlessly to everyone who walks through the doors of our community venue. She is always there with a warm welcome, a listening ear, practical support and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Her kindness, compassion and generosity have made a lasting difference to countless people.
“What makes Clare’s commitment even more remarkable is that she has continued to put others first while facing significant personal challenges. Clare has remained devoted to supporting the community. She has never sought recognition or sympathy and rarely speaks about the difficulties she and her family have faced. Instead, she continues to focus on lifting others up, often putting their needs ahead of her own.
“Clare embodies selflessness, resilience and compassion. She inspires everyone around her through her quiet strength and unwavering dedication. Her impact reaches far beyond the practical help she provides. She creates a sense of belonging, hope and friendship for everyone she meets.
“Clare is a true Staffordshire hero. Her tireless service, courage in the face of adversity and genuine care for others make her exceptionally deserving of this award. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of being recognised for the difference they make every single day.”
Clare stresses that the work of The Hive wouldn’t be possible without the 41 volunteers she works alongside.
She said: “Our volunteers are the heroes. They are the ones that make everything happen. I’m always doing whatever I can to make everyone feel part of our family here at The Hive.”
In the three years that Clare has been in post The Hive has gone from a community centre to a thriving hub which supports people of all ages and needs. Clare has turned it into a place where people feel they can ask for help.
She added: “I was a really young parent and I’ve had to ask for help myself in the past. I’ve always said I would make it really easy for other people to ask for help because I know what it’s like. I know how helpless and how hopeless being in that position can feel. I start off by putting the kettle on.”
Nat Campbell
Nat Campbell set up a not-for-profit café in the midst of her grief after the death of her beloved son and now it’s helping not just her but the people of Longton too.
The University of Staffordshire alumna, who has an undergraduate degree in sociology and a masters in sociology and social justice, set up Scouse’s Snacks as part of U7 Urban Arts Centre in Sutherland Road, Longton, in November 2024.
She takes no salary for her work. She work with a team of volunteers, all of whom are neurodiverse or living with a physical disability.
Nat, who has lived in Bentilee for 23 years, sells good quality home cooked meals as cheaply as possible, feeds homeless people and puts together £6 food bags including everything needed to feed a person for three days. During the heatwave she has been offering free cold water for anyone who needs it.
The 55-year-old stresses that anybody is welcome. The café is autism friendly and there is a break-out area if it’s needed. She’s even had care homes bring their residents in.
Scouse was the nickname of Nat’s late son, Josh, who died at the age of 29. He was a popular member of the community, with more than 600 people attending his funeral. Nat has customers telling her how much he meant to them including one who said she wouldn’t be a teacher now if Josh hadn’t encouraged her to become a mature student.
Nat said: “Scouse’s Snacks has helped me and given me something to focus on. It’s got me out of the house and out of the rabbit hole that I went down after Josh died.
“Before I took it on I was just sitting at home. I wasn’t washing, I wasn’t brushing my teeth, I was just sitting there with a blanket wrapped around me all day.
“It’s taken me 18 months to get to where I am today. Of course there are still times when I can just burst into tears. When you lose a child you don’t just lose a child you lose a lot of friends too. Now I’ve got a group of better friends.”
A whole string of Scouse’s Snacks customers and supporters have nominated Nat in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year categories of the Your Heroes Awards.
Chantelle Huckfield said: “Nat is a credit to the community and shines bright every day. She deserves this nomination and this award. Thank you for everything you do, Nat.”
Kerry Crawford said: “Nat has given three individuals I support who have learning disabilities the chance to volunteer each week and this has impacted their lives in a huge way. They now enjoy their job and have purpose and a place in the community. Nat is proud of Stoke-on-Trent and its heritage and is a champion for every individual who crosses her path.”
Helen Hughes said: “Even when she is in pain Nat shows up at Scouse’s Snacks so she can put smiles on people’s faces.”
Kevin Griffiths
Kevin Griffiths has raised around £200,000 for charity after being diagnosed with bowel cancer six years ago.
The Trentham businessman set up Cancer My Arse as a fundraising platform, to raise awareness and increasingly to encourage people to become ‘cancer ready’ as one in two of us will have our lives closely affected by cancer.
He has undergone 29 rounds of radiotherapy, four major surgeries and will be on intense chemotherapy for the rest of his life, which involves two weeks of chemotherapy followed by a three week break.
The University of Staffordshire alumnus, who has owned and run a number of successful businesses, sold his business interests to concentrate on his treatment, fundraising and spending time with his children, who were aged just nine and 11 years at the time of his first diagnosis.
He said: “I was originally told that I’d have two years without treatment and I’ve already had six years. My children are now aged 16 and 18 and they’ve been such special years for me to enjoy with them and to make the very most of.”
Kevin’s cancer journey began just as Covid-19 was emerging, when he started passing blood. He received quick treatment despite the pandemic and was diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The 50-year-old had his bowel removed and a permanent stoma fitted. 12 months later the cancer had spread to both of his lungs so he had the lower left and top right sections of his lungs removed. He was given the all clear after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but 12 months later the cancer had returned.
Cancer My Arse has raised money for up to a dozen different causes including the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, Cancer Research, Prostate Cancer and Bowel Cancer charities.
Fundraisers have included cycling events as Kevin and his family have a long history of competitive cycling and his family still owns Swinnerton Cycles. The most recent fundraiser was a bake sale organised by his daughter at Newcastle-under-Lyme College and a big bike ride is being lined up for 2027 with the aim of raising £100,000.
Alongside fundraising Kevin also set out to raise awareness, although he says this has now moved towards encouraging people to be ‘cancer ready’.
He said: “I thought cancer was cancer. I didn’t know there were so many different types of cancer, so many variants.
“It’s one thing being aware of cancer but do people really know and understand that getting an early diagnosis can really help with extending life.
“My message is for people to be cancer ready so they’ll know what to do if they or someone close to them is diagnosed. I’ve had people in tears and having panic attacks on the phone. I’ve been helping them to get onto ChatGPT so that they can understand their diagnosis and keep track of their results. If people are ready then they won’t immediately go into panic mode and they’ll know where to start.
“Cancer My Arse has given me something to do other than walking around the house waiting. It’s given me a purpose and something positive.”
Cancer My Arse has won the support of famous faces including Davina McCall, Bradley Wiggins, Guy Ritchie and Lord Alan Sugar.
Kevin Griffiths has been nominated as Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards.
Randhir Singh Heer
A charity set up by Randhir Singh Heer in 2013 now provides more than 150,000 hot meals every month alongside other projects in the UK and overseas.
Midland Langar Seva Society (MLSS) was launched in Walsall and now works in 16 cities around the UK. In Sikhism, langar is a free, vegetarian community kitchen found in a Sikh temple that serves all people regardless of their background.
In October 2013 Randhir set up MLSS as a non-monetary, food-only donation charity to provide langar to people facing food poverty. Having seen the plight of homeless people on the streets of his hometown of Walsall he wanted to do something to help those less fortunate. On that first feed, he provided 15 hot meals to the homeless in his hometown.
Randhir Singh Heer has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Sharondeep Bharaj.
She said: “I have seen the incredible dedication Randhir gives to helping others and the positive difference he continues to make in so many lives. His commitment to supporting vulnerable people, regardless of their background or circumstances, is truly inspiring and deserves recognition.
“Randhir is a person of great kindness, fairness and humility. He has worked tirelessly to build Midland Langar Seva Society into an organisation that provides not only food and practical support but also dignity, compassion and hope to those who need it most. He gives his time selflessly and always puts the needs of others before his own.
“A clear example of this is the annual Christmas Dinner Party he organises for the homeless, vulnerable and less fortunate members of the community. This has grown into one of the largest events of its kind in the UK, welcoming more than 300 guests each year for a full three-course Christmas meal. Guests are also provided with gifts, healthcare support, a Christmas grotto, entertainment from a DJ and carol singers and many small touches that make them feel remembered and valued during the festive season.
“What stands out most is the way Randhir personally connects with the people he serves. He does not create barriers between himself and others. He sits with guests, shares conversations and treats everyone with genuine warmth and respect. He believes strongly that no one is above anyone else and that every person should be treated equally, regardless of religion, race, gender or social background.
“This same fairness extends to the volunteers and staff within MLSS. Randhir leads with integrity and ensures that everyone involved in the organisation feels respected, supported and appreciated. His leadership creates a strong sense of unity and purpose.
“Randhir’s work has had a lasting impact across communities, helping people through hardship while encouraging compassion and positive change. His dedication, humility and service to others make him an outstanding candidate for this honour.”
Randhir Singh Heer said: “Being nominated for a Your Heroes Award is an incredible honour, but this recognition belongs to every volunteer who gives their time, every supporter who believes in our mission and every person we’ve had the privilege to serve. The real heroes are those who choose kindness when no one is watching and compassion when it’s needed most.
“If our work inspires even one more person to reach out and help someone in need then we’ve already achieved something truly special. Awards recognise moments but compassion changes lives and that is the legacy we hope to leave behind.”
Ada Haywood BEM
Former potbank worker Ada Haywood BEM has raised around £1.5 million for charity during decades of fundraising.
The 74-year-old, who made clay handles at Steelite for 32 years, organises an annual Pink Tie Ball and until recently collected donations in supermarkets.
Ada, from Clayton, still gets up at 5.30am to attend business networking meetings to promote her charity work and her loyal supporters ensure tickets for her ball are usually sold out within days.
Her 22nd Pink Tie Ball, which will be held on September 19, is already completely sold out. She raises money for Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation.
In 2018 Ada was awarded the British Empire Medal and in 2022 she was a baton carrier for the Queen’s Baton Relay despite having a broken shoulder.
Cancer Research UK has named a room in its London HQ in honour of Ada and her late husband Peter, who had been determined that she should continue fundraising after his death.
Ada has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by Ben Halstead from the business Sempar.
He said: “Ada’s dedication to improving the lives of others has been both inspiring and impactful.
“Her commitment goes far beyond attendance or participation; she has consistently championed the causes, encouraged others to become involved and helped create an atmosphere of generosity and compassion that has significantly contributed to the event’s success.
“Ada understands the importance of investing in research, prevention and patient support. Her advocacy has helped shine a light on the lifesaving work carried out by Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation, ensuring that these organisations can continue advancing medical breakthroughs and providing support to those who need it most.
“What sets Ada apart is her genuine passion for helping others. She leads by example, giving her time, energy and enthusiasm to every charitable endeavour she undertakes. Her ability to bring people together in support of worthy causes has inspired friends, colleagues and members of the wider community to contribute and make a difference.
“The success of the Pink Tie Ball is a testament to individuals like Ada, whose generosity and commitment transform fundraising events into meaningful opportunities for change. Her efforts have not only generated valuable financial support but have also fostered greater awareness, community engagement and hope for those affected by cancer and heart disease.
“Ada Haywood exemplifies the very best of charitable leadership, compassion and community spirit. She is a truly deserving recipient of recognition for her outstanding contribution to Cancer Research, the British Heart Foundation and the continued success of the Pink Tie Ball.
“I wholeheartedly recommend Ada Haywood for this award and commend her for the lasting positive impact she has made on so many lives.”
Ada started her fundraising after a neighbour’s wife died from breast cancer at the age of 35. Ada also fundraises in honour of her late husband, Peter
She said: “I don’t do any of the things I do to get awards but it is amazing to be nominated. It’s really good.”
Craig Dagg
Craig Dagg has led his work colleagues at StairBox to raise around £220,000 for the Dougie Mac Hospice over the last five years.
Craig, who is facilities manager at the Trentham Lakes-based business, now has corporate fundraising included in his job description but his charity work usually extends to his evenings and weekends too.
The 41-year-old also become a volunteer for the Dougie Mac 18 months ago, giving his time at the hospice and at hospice events.
He has received a Commendation for Charity Champion from the Dougie Mac and has received an Above and Beyond Award from the Alice Charity.
Craig has now been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.
His nominator said: “Craig is an inspiration when it comes to organising fundraising events and volunteering for local charity Dougie Mac. All of StairBox’s fundraising efforts are organised by Craig along with driving the company’s volunteering days and giving up his own time for them. His dedication is second to none and he is a true charity champion.”
Craig, who has worked at Stairbox for nine years, recently organised a family fun day in Endon and raised £10,000 from just that one event alone.
He said: “When I first moved to Stoke-on-Trent around 11 years ago I didn’t know anyone. A couple took me under their wing and supported me. I ended up calling them my Stokie parents.
“One of them was diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Douglas Macmillan Hospice worked with her and I saw firsthand just how important their work is. I’ve always been charity minded but now I have a massive soft spot for the Dougie Mac and will help them however I can.”
He added: “I don’t do what I do for recognition but of course it’s very nice to be recognised and to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award.”
Neil Washington
Radio presenter and fundraiser Neil Washington has donated more than £5,000 to the Children’s Oncology Unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital in memory of his late mum, Sandra.
Over the last 12 months Neil, also known as Ginjahman, has been fundraising for UHNM Charity through his Reggae Sunshine radio show, book sales and a community fundraising event.
Before hosting an evening of entertainment at Joiners Square Community Centre, Neil had already raised £2,310. Following the event, the total amount raised reached £5,123.45.
Clinical Nurse Specialists Claire Butler, Julie Eaton and Penelope Bate said: “This donation will make such a wonderful difference to all our families and will mean that we can continue to provide all the extra comforts that help support families through very difficult journeys.”
Neil Washington has been nominated in the Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.