Knot Events CIC
Just three years after it was launched by a group of Staffordshire businesswomen, Knot Events CIC has raised more than £200,000 for charities and is on track to raise more than £100,000 at its next large-scale event in November.
Three sports days for businesses, organised by the Knot Events team and staged at University of Staffordshire, have raised more than £30,000 for 10 different charities.
The first Strictly Knot Dancing event, staged at the King’s Hall last November, raised £150,000 for the Dougie Mac, the largest amount ever raised for the hospice through a single event.
Strictly Knot Dancing 2026 is already on track to raise another £100,000 with aspirations to reach last year’s total.
The Knot Events team includes Jenny Johnston from KMF, Hannah Ault DL from Valentine Clay, Josie Morris MBE DL from Woolcool, Fiona Hawkins from Plinkfizz, Sarah Mellor from Beswicks Legal, Tina Holdcroft from Holdcroft Heating, Julie Mirowski from Rydale Roofing, Andrea Heath on behalf of DJH and business strategist Katie Beardmore.
Jenny Johnston said: “The idea for Knot Events came to us after the first University of Staffordshire Business Awards. A few of us were talking afterwards about the need for fundraising events driven by women.
“We started talking about what we could do that’s different to what the men do. We came up with the idea and made it happen.”
David Webster, Chief Executive of the Dougie Mac Hospice, said: “Strictly Knot Dancing has become one of the highlights of our fundraising calendar. Last year’s incredible fundraising total has already helped us continue providing specialist care and support to local people and their families when they need us most. We simply couldn’t achieve this without the dedication of every contestant, sponsor, volunteer and supporter involved.
“I’m delighted to be returning to the judging panel this year and I’m really looking forward to watching our new contestants. There will no doubt be plenty of laughs, a few nerves and some fantastic performances along the way. I wish every contestant the very best of luck… and may the best dancer win!”
The Knot Events Team has been nominated in the Community Group, Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year and Civic Pride categories of the Your Heroes Awards.
Gemma Thomas
Gemma Thomas is dedicated to making Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire a greener, more creative and more connected place to live.
A former director of arts organisation Appetite, Gemma is now UHNM Charity’s project manager for arts where she leads on arts projects for the benefit of patients, families and staff at the Royal Stoke and Stafford County Hospitals.
Alongside her full-time job she has a number of community and voluntary roles including being the founder of Brilliant Bamboo CIC which delivers free creative, environmental and wellbeing projects.
She is chair of the advisory board for The Portland Inn Project, a trustee of Stoke Creates and sits on Meir North Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board.
Gemma has been nominated in the Civic Pride and Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year categoroes of the Your Heroes Awards by Rebekah Whitfield-Lyne.
Rebekah said: “Gemma works tirelessly to secure grants and funding so that families, children, schools and community groups can enjoy opportunities that are completely free to attend.
“What impresses me most is the scale of what she has achieved. Gemma has transformed an ambitious idea into an organisation that brings together artists, schools, volunteers, businesses, charities and public organisations to create projects that benefit the whole community.
“From transforming a former brownfield site into an inspiring community space, to engaging more than 120 young people in one creative learning event, hosting the UK’s Bamboo Summit and creating free family activities, she is making a lasting difference to our area.
“I have attended one of Brilliant Bamboo’s family workshops and saw firsthand the welcoming atmosphere Gemma creates. Children were making clay creations, weaving colourful ribbons together and taking part in activities that encouraged creativity, confidence and teamwork. It was wonderful to see families spending quality time together in an environment where everyone felt included.
“What makes Gemma exceptional is that she achieves all of this while working full time at the hospital. She spends her own time applying for grants, organising volunteers, building partnerships and creating opportunities that simply would not exist without her dedication. She has also inspired local organisations, businesses and volunteers to contribute their own time, skills and resources, creating a community that works together for the benefit of others.
“Gemma doesn’t do any of this for recognition. She does it because she genuinely believes everyone deserves access to creative experiences, green spaces and a strong sense of community. Her passion, leadership and selflessness have already touched countless lives, and I have no doubt she will continue to inspire many more.
“For everything she has achieved, and for the difference she continues to make every single day, I believe Gemma is a truly deserving recipient of a Your Heroes Award.”
Gemma said: “I feel very humble and very privileged to have lots of people that support and champion and connect with the work that I do. That’s volunteers, people that attend and the people that give me stuff because I’m cheeky and I ask them for things.”
Charlotte Pearce
Charlotte Pearce has been nominated for a Your Heroes Award in recognition of the energy, creativity and care she puts into championing Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire.
Charlotte, who is BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, has been nominated in the Civic Pride category by Jenna Goodwin of the Staffordshire Signal.
Jenna said: “Charl has played an important role in helping the town feel more vibrant, welcoming and connected. Her work is not just about events or marketing, although she does both brilliantly. It is about placemaking in the truest sense, bringing people together, supporting local businesses, creating reasons for families to come into the town centre and reminding people why Newcastle-under-Lyme matters.
“Charl has led and supported a wide range of projects which have had a real impact on the town. From large-scale events and public realm improvements to creative workshops, business support, cultural activity and campaigns that celebrate local identity, she consistently turns ideas into practical things that people can enjoy and benefit from.
“One recent example is the Get Creative in Castle programme, which provides free creative workshops for young people during the summer holidays. This is exactly the kind of project that shows Charl’s understanding of community. It supports families who may not be able to afford expensive days out, gives children access to creativity and confidence building, works with local artists and makers and brings footfall into the town centre at the same time. It is thoughtful, accessible and rooted in the needs of local people.
“Charlotte is also a passionate advocate for local businesses, culture and partnership working. She understands that town centres thrive when businesses, councils, education providers, creatives, residents and community groups work together. Whether she is supporting markets, cultural projects, town centre events, creative pop ups or wider Staffordshire campaigns, she brings people with her and helps turn pride into action.
“What makes Charl stand out is that her love for the area is clearly genuine. She does not simply talk about Newcastle-under-Lyme and Staffordshire being great places to live, work and visit. She actively works to make them better, brighter and more visible.
“Charl is one of those people who quietly does a huge amount behind the scenes, often making other people and organisations shine. She is creative, committed, collaborative and deeply proud of her place. For all of these reasons, I believe she would be a very deserving nominee for the Your Heroes Awards.”
Charlotte leads a team of just two members of staff at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, where she has worked for five years.
She said: “I think it’s really flattering to have been nominated for a Your Heroes Award. From one perspective I’d say that it’s my job, but it’s also something I’m really passionate about.”
She added: “As much as I do a lot of work, Charlie Machin in my team does equally as much. It’s a team effort and we’re both as passionate and hard working for the local area.”
Jenna Goodwin
Writer, historian and now media platform owner, Jenna Goodwin is on a mission to share good news and to help people reconnect with what makes Staffordshire so special.
Jenna, otherwise known as the Red Haired Stokie, is the founder of the Staffordshire Signal magazine and digital platform which has now expanded into Staffordshire Signal TV.
Everything she does is centred around celebrating people and places, with a strong commitment to supporting communities.
Jenna has been nominated in the Civic Pride category of the Your Heroes Awards by Charlotte Pearce.
Charlotte said: “Jenna Goodwin, founder of Red Haired Stokie, is a passionate champion of civic pride across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Through her work promoting the history, heritage and identity of the city Jenna has helped countless people reconnect with what makes our area special.
“As the driving force behind Staffordshire Signal she has created a respected print and digital platform dedicated to sharing positive news, local stories and community achievements. Her commitment to celebrating people, places and successes across the county has helped foster a stronger sense of pride and belonging.
“Jenna is a tireless advocate for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, using her voice to shine a light on the region’s rich past, vibrant present and exciting future. Her enthusiasm, positivity and dedication make her a truly deserving recipient of the Civic Pride Award.”
Jenna has spent years building a strong and trusted regional audience through local history, writing, photography, video and community storytelling. She has become a recognised Staffordshire voice, telling the stories of the county’s people, places, heritage, culture and communities in a way that feels human, accessible and rooted in place.
The Staffordshire Signal grew from that trust but was created to become something much bigger than one person’s platform. Jenna recognised that Staffordshire needed a county-wide media organisation that could bring together local news, lifestyle, culture, events, business, heritage and community storytelling in a trusted, positive and sustainable way.
At a time when local journalism is under significant pressure, Jenna took the calculated risk of creating a new model. The Signal is funded by local businesses and the community it serves through advertising, sponsorship, print subscriptions, reader support, partnerships and community backing. Because it is a CIC that support is reinvested into Staffordshire journalism.
Under Jenna’s leadership The Staffordshire Signal has grown into a multi-platform organisation combining a free print magazine, digital features, newsletters, events coverage, community storytelling, business visibility and developing video work through The Staffordshire Signal TV.
The Staffordshire Signal now has an official partnership with City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College for the development of this video work and Jenna is in conversation with other educational organisations that want to be involved. The aim is to create a practical pathway between education and real media experience, giving students the chance to work on meaningful local stories, build confidence, develop portfolios and understand what journalism, production, and storytelling look like in practice.
Jenna said: “It’s nice that the work I do is acknowledged. If people want to support The Staffordshire Signal then the best thing to do is to use it, either by subscribing to the newsletter or to have the magazine delivered.”
Tara Burndred
Two-time WCJJO Ju Jitsu World Champion, 6th Dan Ju Jitsu instructor and now a published author, Tara Burndred has dedicated more than 40 years of her life to improving people’s lives through martial arts.
The 53-year-old, from Oakamoor, will be inducted into the Stoke-on-Trent Sporting Hall of Fame in October in recognition of her outstanding contribution to sport and the community.
She has also been nominated in both the Sporting Icon and Civic Pride categories of the Your Heroes Awards.
Teri Bryce said: “What makes Tara truly exceptional is that her influence extends far beyond competition. She has dedicated herself to making physical activity accessible to everyone, delivering martial arts, Tai Chi, Pilates and wellbeing sessions for children, adults and older people. Her work helps improve physical health, confidence, mental wellbeing and social connection, ensuring that people from all backgrounds have the opportunity to benefit.
“Her emphasis on respect, resilience, kindness and discipline has positively shaped the lives of many young people. Her commitment has enabled hundreds of people to participate in activities that improve health, reduce isolation and strengthen community connections.
“Tara leads by example. Her enthusiasm, generosity and tireless commitment to helping others have earned the respect of participants, parents, fellow coaches and the wider community. She has shown that sporting success is not only measured by medals, but by the positive difference made in people’s lives. Her lifelong commitment to sport and to improving the lives of others leaves a lasting legacy that continues to inspire future generations.”
Anthony Burndred said: “Tara has worked tirelessly to promote Stoke-on-Trent at local, regional, national and international level. Through her coaching, athletes from Tatsu Dojo have progressed to represent Great Britain, demonstrating that young people from our local communities can achieve success on the world stage with the right guidance, encouragement and belief.
“Tara is a proud ambassador for Stoke-on-Trent. Whether she is coaching, organising community projects, supporting local events, securing funding for new initiatives or promoting opportunities for young people, she consistently champions the city and its people. Her passion, dedication and willingness to give back have made a lasting difference to countless lives.
“Tara Burndred embodies the true spirit of civic pride. She has used her skills, experience and determination not for personal recognition, but to create opportunities for others, inspire future generations and showcase the very best of Stoke-on-Trent wherever she goes.”
Tara is a 6th Dan Ju Jitsu instructor, Tai Chi teacher, author and founder of Breathe UK Training CIC and Tatsu Dojo. She aims to help people of all ages build confidence, resilience and healthier lives through martial arts, Tai Chi and community wellbeing programmes.
She has coached hundreds of children and adults, developing national and world champions while creating an environment where everyone, regardless of ability or background, feels welcome. Her passion extends beyond sport, with a strong focus on improving mental health, reducing anxiety and helping people discover confidence through movement.
Inspired by the children she teaches, Tara wrote the book Dojo Taz Learns Tai Chi, which introduces mindfulness, kindness and emotional wellbeing through storytelling and simple Tai Chi movements. The book is designed to help children manage their emotions, build self-confidence and enjoy being active in a fun and engaging way. It is now being promoted to schools across Staffordshire alongside assemblies and practical Tai Chi sessions, giving children the opportunity to experience the benefits first-hand.
Tara said: “I want to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up happier, healthier and more confident. Whether coaching on the mat, writing books or leading community projects, I’m committed to creating lasting positive change and inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves.”
Robbie Williams was given a copy of Tara’s book when he performed at the JCB Fun Day recently, which he took on stage with him.
Tara added: “I didn’t realise he was going to do it. I thought he’d leave it backstage and look at it later. I hope he gets the chance to read it when he’s travelling.”
Chris Ward
Part of Longton that’s helping to drive the town’s regeneration would have been demolished if it hadn’t been for the intervention of Chris Ward.
Chris, the manager of Longton Exchange Shopping Centre, was asked to oversee the demolition of what has now become the town’s Exchange Quarter. Instead he suggested a £60,000 project to create a vibrant community of independent businesses, which is now attracting visitors into the area.
Chris has also championed initiatives that directly benefit the community including The Little Longton Book Exchange, free family events, community drop-in sessions, the Win a Shop programme supporting new businesses and Stoke-on-Trent’s only dedicated Tourism Information Hub.
He serves as a Director of From Longton & Proud CIC and Partners Against Business Crime in Staffordshire.
Chris has been nominated in the Civic Pride category of the Your Heroes Awards by Roz Ryan.
She said: “For many people civic pride is about caring enough to make a difference. Chris Ward embodies that principle every single day.
“As Centre Manager of Longton Exchange, Chris has become one of the driving forces behind the positive transformation of Longton. His impact extends far beyond the shopping centre itself. Through his leadership, passion and unwavering commitment to the community he has helped create opportunities, improve public spaces, support local businesses and bring people together.
“What makes Chris exceptional is that he doesn’t simply manage a shopping centre – he actively invests in the future of the town. He is visible, approachable and always willing to get involved.”
Chris is visible in the local community leading community litter picks, supporting local charities and CICs, taking part in the Longton Carnival parade, helping at community events or dressing as Santa to ensure local children can enjoy a free Christmas experience.
Chris personally developed a vision to transform Part of Longton Exchange into a vibrant Arts and Cultural Quarter, securing investment and using local contractors to create an area that now supports independent businesses, creativity and community activity. The project has become a visible symbol of Longton’s regeneration and a source of pride for local residents.
Chris’s work has attracted recognition at the highest levels, with Allison Gardner MP regularly highlighting Longton Exchange and Longton’s regeneration within Parliament.
Roz added: “Chris measures success differently. For him, success is seeing a vacant unit become a thriving business, a community group finding a home, a family enjoying a free event or a resident feeling proud of their town again.
“Longton is a better place because of Chris Ward. His leadership, generosity, vision and belief in the community have helped change perceptions, inspire others and create a town centre that people can once again be proud of.
“Chris Ward is a true champion of Civic Pride and a worthy recipient of this award.”
Teri Bryce
People sometimes tell Teri Bryce that they wouldn’t still be here if they hadn’t received the support of Walk Talk Action CIC, an organisation she founded.
A former Army combat medic, Teri set up Walk Talk Action to share the coping strategies she used to work through her own problems.
The mum-of-three, from Meir Heath, gave up her job as an ambulance driver in 2019 to work full-time on Walk Talk Action. She had found that being outdoors helped with her own anxiety, trauma and postnatal depression and knew that other people could benefit too.
The group, based at Fenpark, has helped all sorts of people with all sorts of problems including people with depression, postnatal depression, anxiety, midlife crisis, PTSD, isolation and loneliness. She supports all members of the community including veterans.
She gets people outdoors to walk, talk and learn coping techniques to work through their problems one step at a time.
Teri secured a significant National Lottery grant for the group, was gifted a plot of land by the owners of Fenpark Fields and secured the donation of a portable cabin by Churnet Valley Railway to use as a retreat.
Walk Talk Action CIC has been nominated as a Community Group of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards and Teri has been nominated both in the Civic Pride category and as a Charity Champion or Volunteer of the Year.
One nominator said: “I would like to nominate Teri in recognition of the life-changing impact she has on people throughout our community.
“Teri dedicates an incredible amount of her time to helping people overcome challenges, improve their wellbeing and take positive steps towards a better future. Through her 10 Step Programme she provides support, encouragement and practical guidance to people who are often struggling with difficult circumstances and looking for hope.
“What makes Teri truly special is her unwavering commitment to helping others. She regularly goes above and beyond what would ever be expected of a volunteer, often working around the clock to find solutions and provide support to those who need it most. No matter how busy she is she always makes time to listen, offer advice and help people find a way forward.
“Many have said that Teri has completely transformed their lives, helping them regain confidence, improve their mental wellbeing and believe in themselves again. Some have even stated that without the support, compassion and guidance she provided during their darkest times, they would not be here today.
“Teri never seeks recognition for what she does. She simply wants to help people build happier, healthier and more positive lives. Her passion, dedication and selflessness have had a profound impact on countless individuals and families, creating lasting change within the community.
“For her tireless commitment, exceptional kindness and the genuine difference she makes to so many lives, I cannot think of anyone more deserving of being recognised.”
Walk Talk Action’s National Lottery funding comes to an end on December 8. Teri has already secured some Coalfields Regeneration Trust funding and is working on other funding sources to ensure the services can continue.
She said: “I live and breathe Walk Talk Action CIC. It’s my life. It’s really nice that people would take the time to make a Your Heroes Awards nomination. It’s been a few years of working hard and getting things done.
“I’m big on thanking people for helping us, no matter what that help is and how small it may seem. It’s just overwhelming to receive this sort of thank you as it’s supposed to be me doing the thanking.”
Teri added: “Walk Talk Action has helped me so much and has really helped my own mental health. We get told that we’re making a big difference to other people’s lives just because we’ve taken the time to sit down and listen to them.
“I started this because my own life has been so confusing. By working through the good and the bad in all the chapters of my life it’s helped me to focus on the good and the productive rather than dwelling on the bad.”