The seventh annual Unsung Heroes Awards took place on Friday, October 11 2024. 

We received an unprecedented number of nominations, more than any other year previously. From the nominations, our judging panel chose ten winners for our Unsung Heroes Awards 2024.

Wakefield Street Kitchen

The entire team at Wakefield Street Kitchen received numerous nominations from across the district, highlighting the organisation’s significant impact. Led by Anna Howard this dedicated group of volunteers provides supplies and hot meals to hundreds of local people in need each week.

Sara Williamson

As Chair and Founder of the MY Breast Cancer Support Group, Sara Williamson has been a beacon of hope for those living with a breast cancer diagnosis. Her collaboration with Yorkshire Cancer Research on the Active Together campaign has been instrumental in helping cancer patients maintain their health and wellbeing through exercise during treatment.

Jan Archbold

After losing her husband to dementia, Jan Archbold turned her grief into a positive and created a welcoming space and service for people with the same diagnosis. Founding the Memory Action Group, she devotes her time to supporting people with dementia and their families, ensuring they never feel alone. Jan’s unwavering dedication to her community has earned her a well-deserved spot on this list. 

WF3 Kindness Team

Dan and Sarah Frank, together with friends and neighbours, founded the WF3 Kindness Charity during lockdown, initially to provide food and medicine to those in need in their community. Over the past four years, the charity has evolved, and it now supports a wide range of initiatives, including care packages for victims of domestic abuse and the WF3 Kindness Awards. 

Kidz Aware

Gillian Archbold and her daughter, Sabrina, lead Kidz Aware, an organisation dedicated to supporting families of disabled people across the Wakefield district. Since its inception in 2007, Kidz Aware has helped over a thousand families. Sabrina, who is herself disabled, brings invaluable insight to their work, making Kidz Aware’s support all the more impactful.

Catherine Horbury

Catherine Horbury, who has Down syndrome, is a powerful advocate for people with learning disabilities. Whether through her job as a peer support worker at Fieldhead Hospital or her volunteer roles in the community, Catherine’s positive influence is felt throughout the Wakefield district. Her friends and colleagues often say, ‘Be More Cath’, and it’s easy to see why!

Judith Russell

As Chair of Disability Sport Yorkshire, Judith Russell has been a pioneer for inclusive sports since 1993. Her leadership has led to countless initiatives, including inclusive sports festivals and training. During the pandemic, Judith volunteered full-time to ensure the continuation of these vital services. Her dedication is paving the way for even greater accessibility in 2024.

Family Burns Club Volunteers

The volunteers of the Family Burns Club, led by Tracy Foster, dedicate their time to supporting children, families, and young adults recovering from burn injuries. Through fundraising and organised retreats, these volunteers offer essential support, creating a profound impact on the lives they touch. 

Spectrum Children’s Drama Company

Odelle Hardcastle leads Spectrum Children’s Drama Company, a volunteer-run theatre group that has been a part of the Altofts’ community for 30 years, and which was founded by her parents. The group’s ability to adapt during the pandemic showcased their commitment to the children they support, offering much more than just dance tuition. Their performances continue to amaze, and their care for each child is evident. 

Wakefield Whirlwinds Wheelchair Basketball Club

Wakefield Whirlwinds is a wheelchair basketball club welcoming both disabled and able-bodied players, ranging from ages 6 to 50+. Under the leadership of Steve Greatorex, the club has become a second family to its members, promoting an ethos of inclusivity and dedication. Their impact on the community is undeniable.

The event recognised ten remarkable finalists, and each one was celebrated for their unique contributions to the community. Their collective stories of dedication, resilience, and kindness stood as a powerful testament to their selfless commitment to make Wakefield District a better place for all.

The Cathedral was beautifully lit, and a delicious three-course meal was enjoyed by everyone, courtesy of Wakefield’s Create Café. Dan Smith of DSM Productions serenaded guests during the interval, and host Duncan Wood ensured the event ran smoothly, imparting plenty of his trademark warmth and humour. The evening was kindly sponsored by Prosper Wakefield. 

All ten finalists received an award and were invited onto the stage. In an especially moving moment, Catherine Horbury was honoured with the People’s Choice Award, an accolade voted on by the public, in recognition of her enduring commitment to the disabled and vulnerable in her work at Fieldhead Hospital and with other local organisations.

The evening reached its crescendo with the announcement of Jan Archbold of the Memory Action Group as the Overall Winner of this year’s Unsung Heroes Awards, for the work she does with, and the support she gives, people with dementia. A well-deserved accolade for her invaluable contributions, and a true champion of community spirit.

The Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the event’s sponsors for their generous support, which made the memorable evening possible. Special thanks go to Headline Sponsor: Prosper Wakefield, for their invaluable partnership, and to all guests who came together to celebrate the invaluable efforts of these selfless individuals and teams.

The Foundation’s Executive Director, Lisa Milburn, said: “It’s truly incredible to see that so many selfless individuals and remarkable teams are making a difference in their communities, quietly dedicating their time and expertise to improve the lives of those around them.”

Find out more about the Unsung Heroes Awards 2025 here.