THE winners of The Press Community Pride Awards 2026 have been unveiled at a glittering celebration honouring unsung heroes from York and the surrounding area.
After months of anticipation, finalists gathered at York Racecourse on Thursday evening (September 10) for the annual awards ceremony, where family, friends and sponsors joined in recognising their remarkable contributions to the community.
Headline sponsor Aviva was among the organisations helping to celebrate another year of inspiring achievements.
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Britain’s Got Talent star Finley Barrett-Carter, opened the awards to guests with a stunning performance before ITV Calendar’s Duncan Wood – the evening’s host - guided guests through the proceedings.
Speaking on the night, Editor of The Press, Ben Hardy, said: “At The Press, we spend every day telling stories about our city and our towns.
“We report on the challenges our communities face, but we also see the extraordinary kindness, dedication and determination that exists across York and surrounding areas.
“The individuals and groups recognised this evening remind us what makes this area such a special place to live.
“In a world that can sometimes feel divided, these awards celebrate something powerful: community.
“They celebrate people who step forward when help is needed, who bring others together, and who improve the lives of those around them without expecting recognition in return.”
Recognised for her extraordinary support for families facing long hospital stays with seriously ill children, Ceri Wright received the Outstanding Contribution Award.
After losing her 13-year-old daughter, Millie, to Acute Hepatitis Associated Aplastic Anaemia, Ceri turned personal tragedy into a force for good by co-founding the Millie Wright Children’s Charity.
The charity provides vital financial, practical and emotional support to families dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
Guests rose in applause for Ceri, whose tireless fundraising efforts continue to create a lasting legacy in Millie’s memory.
Ceri was joined on stage by Young Person of the Year winner Grace Kirby, a Year 8 student who dedicates her Saturdays to helping maintain her local cemetery, which is the resting place of her grandad, grandma and sister Ruby – whom she sadly never got to meet.
She was praised for her maturity, kindness and commitment to supporting bereaved families in her community.
Tim Bryan was named the Volunteer of the Year for his selfless commitment to the York branch of Parkinson’s UK, ensuring that those living with the condition are seen, heard and supported.
Alison Goude’s fundraising for the Meningitis Research Foundation in memory of her daughter Livia led to her winning the Charity Fundraiser of the Year.
Her courage and resilience through immense hardship has raised awareness of the symptoms of Meningitis B and its deadly speed.
Ella Bond was presented with the Health Service Hero Award for her work as Deputy Manager of the Chocolate Works Care Home. She was praised for her compassionate care for families, residents and staff.
She joined Lexi Medforth – this year’s winner of the Against All Odds award.
Lexi, 13, raised more than £20,000 for a state-of-the-art bionic arm after losing hers to amniotic band syndrome.
The Education Hero award went to Rosie Stewart, a creative learning producer at York Museums Trust who was commended for her series of free and low-cost creative workshops which help people of all ages across the city discover new skills.
Urban Wild Youth Group was awarded the Best Community Project award.
The initiative, run by environmental charity St Nicks, supports young people aged 11 to 16, including those with additional needs or experiencing isolation, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and connect with nature.
It came after Rawcliffe Rovers U16s Football Team was named as Sports Team of the Year for its commitment to grassroots football.
Lord Deramore’s Primary School was presented with School of the Year, impressing judges with its whole-school Yorkshire Day celebration, which brought pupils from diverse backgrounds together to explore the county’s history.
* See The Press next Tuesday for a special York Community Pride Souvenir Supplement with stories about our award winners.
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