The Chesterfield Football Club Community Awards 2026 took place on Saturday, June 20, at the SMH Group Stadium, marking an evening of celebration and community pride. The event was a great success that brought together nominees, sponsors, and residents from across Chesterfield to honour individuals and groups whose dedication continues to make a meaningful difference in local communities.
The ceremony provided a platform to showcase the outstanding contributions of volunteers, fundraisers, carers, and everyday heroes who consistently go above and beyond. With a strong number of nominations received across all categories, this year’s awards reflected the remarkable depth of compassion and community spirit present throughout Chesterfield.
Guests enjoyed a structured awards presentation complemented by entertainment throughout the evening, creating a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere. The event served not only as a celebration of achievement but also as a reminder of the power of community action and the impact individuals can have.
A summary of this year’s winners is provided below:
Above and beyond – Richard Spinks and Alison Ward
The evening’s most poignant moment came with the presentation of the Above and Beyond award to Richard Spinks and Alison Ward. Following the tragic loss of their daughter Gracie five years ago, they have dedicated themselves to campaigning for “Gracie’s Law,” advocating for stronger protections against stalking and improved early intervention measures. Their tireless efforts across Derbyshire, including public petitions and collaboration with Derbyshire Constabulary, have already helped raise awareness and save lives. They received a deeply moving standing ovation from the audience.
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Adult of Bravery – Graham Sissons
Graham Sissons was recognised for an extraordinary act of selflessness, donating a kidney to save the life of Ian Tonks. At 84, Graham became the oldest person in the UK to donate a kidney to a relative.
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Child/Teenager of Courage – Tyler and Dylan Henson
Brothers Tyler and Dylan Henson were recognised for their incredible courage and resilience during an immensely challenging time. After Tyler was diagnosed with very severe aplastic anaemia, which was made even more serious when he developed sepsis. Hope came when Dylan was confirmed as a perfect match for a life-saving bone marrow transplant. While Tyler continues to receive treatment, his recovery is progressing well, and both boys have shown remarkable determination throughout their journey.
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Carer of the Year – Sarah Wain
Sarah Wain was recognised for her outstanding dedication as a full-time carer to her two disabled children. Balancing work alongside her caring responsibilities, Sarah attends countless medical and school appointments while providing constant emotional and practical support. Her resilience and commitment are evident in the way she supports her children through every aspect of their lives, including the challenges they face socially. Despite the demands placed on her, Sarah remains positive and focused on ensuring her children have as fulfilling and ‘normal’ a life as possible.
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Sporting Champion – Zoe Edge
Zoe Edge was celebrated for her exceptional achievements in sport and her inspirational contribution both on and off the field. Living with cerebral palsy, Zoe has competed at the highest levels, achieving national and international success, including a Paralympic silver medal and a World Championship bronze. Beyond her sporting accomplishments, Zoe actively gives back to the community through fundraising efforts for charities including Ashgate Hospice and Bowel Cancer. She also volunteers her time supporting local football programmes, demonstrating her passion and commitment to helping others.
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Fundraiser of the Year – Jamie Wilkinson
Ten-year-old Jamie Wilkinson captured hearts with his incredible determination and generosity. After successfully completing a five-mile walk to raise funds for his grassroots football team, Jamie challenged himself even further by undertaking a ten-mile walk from Bramall Lane to the SMH Group Stadium in support of Ashgate Hospice. Having already raised over £400, and continuing to raise more, Jamie’s drive at such a young age serves as an inspiring example to others.
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Community Hero of the Year – Ben Stephenson
Ben Stephenson demonstrated extraordinary quick thinking and bravery when he saved a man’s life at his local pub. After the man suffered a cardiac arrest, Ben immediately performed CPR and used a defibrillator to restart his heart before paramedics arrived. Thanks to Ben’s swift action and training, the man made a full recovery. Since the incident, Ben has continued to give back by fundraising to increase access to defibrillators and promote life-saving training within the community.
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Local Hero – Debra Thorpe
Debra Thorpe was recognised for her dedication to supporting her local community through the establishment and running of a food pantry in Barrow Hill. Working tirelessly, Debra transformed a simple shipping container into a welcoming and vital resource for residents in need. From carrying out repairs and maintenance to offering kindness and support to those who visit, Debra’s commitment has made a significant difference to her neighbourhood, creating a space that embodies compassion and community spirit.
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Young Achiever Award – James Tortice
13-year-old James Tortice was recognised for the Young Achiever Award. James has been fundraising since he was 7-years old and has raised over ten thousand pounds for various charities. James started fundraising when his friend was diagnosed with neuroblastoma and needed treated in New York. James is an amazing artist, with a drawing in the national portrait gallery. He started turning his artwork into Christmas cards which he delivered himself to everyone who has ordered them. Sadly, James’ friend passed away but James didn’t stop fundraising and continues to raise money for a family friend who was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and his mum and grandma who were diagnosed with cancer within a year of each other.
Sponsored by Nigel Geoffrey
Green Champion of the Year – Simon Redding
Simon Redding was recognised for his commitment to building stronger, more sustainable communities. Through his work supporting social enterprises and grassroots organisations, Simon dedicates his time and expertise to helping neighbourhoods thrive. His passion for inclusivity and the power of collective action has helped create opportunities in areas that benefit most from community-led initiatives, making a lasting impact on both people and the environment.
Sponsored by Penny Engineering
Volunteer of the Year – Margaret Herriot
Margaret Herriot has devoted more than two decades of her life to volunteering at Chesterfield Royal Hospital following her own cancer diagnosis. Her compassionate support for patients undergoing treatment in the NGS Macmillan Unit has made a profound difference to countless individuals. In addition, Margaret has raised an incredible £67,454 for cancer services through her work at the Charity Hub book stall, demonstrating unwavering dedication and generosity.
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Act of Kindness – Emily Bower
Emily Bower was honoured for her consistent acts of kindness and commitment to helping others in her community. Despite facing her own challenges, Emily dedicates her time to raising funds through yard sales, raffles, and community initiatives. Having raised over £10,000 independently, Emily’s generosity and determination reflect the true spirit of community care and selflessness.
Sponsored by Magnavale
Lifetime Achievement – Peter Jacques
The Lifetime Achievement award was presented to Peter Jacques in recognition of his exceptional dedication to fostering, spanning more than 15 years. Alongside his late wife, Peter provided a loving and supportive home to over 100 children, offering stability, care, and guidance to those who needed it most. Following the sad passing of his wife in 2024, Peter has continued fostering with the same unwavering commitment and compassion. At the age of 70, he has shown extraordinary resilience and selflessness, never turning down the opportunity to help a child in need. His lifelong dedication has made a lasting and profound impact on the lives of many young people within the community.
Sponsored by The Fluency Group
Overall, the Chesterfield Football Club Community Awards 2026 once again demonstrated the extraordinary strength that exists within the local community. Each winner’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference individuals can make through dedication and kindness.
Bridget Ball, Commercial Manager, said: “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our sponsors for their continued support of the Chesterfield Football Club Community Awards. Each sponsor plays a vital role in recognising the incredible achievements within our community, and we are especially grateful to The Fluency Group for their support as our overall sponsor. We would also like to thank the Georgia Bird Foundation and Walk Like a Man for providing fantastic entertainment on the night, and James Summers for hosting such a memorable event. Together, you helped make the evening truly special.”
As the evening drew to a close, the spirit of community was stronger than ever. The awards not only celebrated this year’s winners but inspired others to step forward and make a difference. With the event set to return next year, anticipation is already building for another opportunity to recognise the incredible people who make a vital difference locally.
