It was a true honour to be amongst the first ever nominees for the Celebrating You Awards. I was excited to just be able to experience the ceremony and thrilled I could bring some loved ones along; I never expected to win. The two women nominated alongside me, Heather Dearie and Holly Matthews, were both brilliant, and more than worthy.
My parents were so jazzed to go to the event; they’re big fans of The Charity and are always keen to show up and support in any way (the run up to The Twilight Walk each year in my house is pretty epic). And my date for the evening, Louise Jones, also works within the charity sector so I knew she’d be thrilled to get to know my world within it.
The atmosphere was so cheerful, my nerves dissolved as soon as I arrived. The presenting style of each award was very moving, and I loved the significance of every person who took to the stage. Obviously my favourite was Hal; he smashed it, hosting.
I remember talking very briefly (not wanting to gush or waffle) about the big impact the charity has had in my life, in the last five years, when I accepted my award. Quite simply, I feel like the whole team are my friends, and have my back whenever I need it; have done since my first operation.
I saw being a Young Ambassador as a big chance to give back a bit, and hopefully switch others on to not just the charity and their brilliant work, but also to the reality of brain tumours and how big a threat they pose to anyone’s health, and their living.
Please do nominate in these awards, if you have an email address and you’re able to spare about ten minutes to tick a few boxes and write a few words. You could make someone’s day, week, and year!
“It’s so important to celebrate not just the people who live with the difficulties of this illness, but also work to raise awareness and ultimately make a positive change.”
Grace Latter – Influencer of the Year Award winner 2018
Portrait © rebeccabrookerphotography.com
Nominations for Celebrating You 2023, have now closed!
We look forward to sharing the shortlists with you in January 2023.
Thank you to everyone who made a nomination this year.
We need you to tell us about your stand-out achievements, or if you know someone who’s been relentless in their efforts, submit your nominations in any of the categories below. Let’s celebrate the progress we’re making together.
There are five Awards open for your nominations:
- Volunteer of the Year
- The Viv McBeth Award for Fundraiser of the Year (over 18)
- Partnership of the Year
- Young Fundraiser of the Year (under 18)
- Influencer of the Year
All of you – volunteers and fundraisers, researchers and clinicians, influencers and corporate partners – have played a huge part in our progress and our success. So please do get involved and nominate somebody amazing today.