The search is on for Bedford Borough’s quiet champions, as nominations come in for the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025 in partnership with The Harpur Trust.
Among this year’s categories is the Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Brewpoint, which recognises extraordinary individuals whose efforts often go unnoticed.
It could be someone who is always looking out for their neighbours, someone who gives back to their community, or someone who has shown bravery.
It is also the awards’ broadest category, with organisers encouraging nominations for people who may not fit neatly into any of the other awards.
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
Peter Wells, Chief Executive of Wells & Co, who owns and operates Brewpoint, said: “Bedford has never been short of people who step up for others without expecting recognition, and we believe those people deserve to be properly celebrated.
“As a Bedford-born and bred business, and in the year we mark our 150th anniversary, we are delighted to continue supporting the Bedford Independent Everyday Hero Awards.
“Wells & Co has been part of this town since 1876, and sponsoring the Unsung Hero award is one small way we can give something back to the community that has shaped us.”
2024 winner
In 2024, Shapna Khanam received the Unsung Hero Award for her work in “organising community events, workshops and activities like trekking, archery and biking, through the Hawaa organisation”.
Shapna said: “It actually took me by surprise, because there were so many heroes that were in the room that day.
“I think for me it was just so nice because you don’t always look at the work that you’re doing, so it was so nice to be recognised by the community and know that you’re making a difference to the lives of the people in Bedford.”
The 2025 Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 7 May at The Quarry Theatre, hosted by Bedford School.
How to nominate
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
The 2025 awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 7 May, at The Quarry Theatre, with Bedford School as the host sponsor and The Quarry Theatre as the venue sponsor.
The categories reflect the diverse ways Bedfordians make the Borough a brilliant place to live, work, and play. Below are the categories, their sponsors, and the 2024 winners for inspiration:
| Category | Sponsor | 2024 Winner |
| Volunteer of the Year | Harpur Trust | Janet Dickinson |
| Excellence in Education | Bedford School | Michael Walker |
| Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough | The Quarry Theatre | Bedford Esquires |
| Pride in Bedford Borough | Bedford Radio | Anne-Marie Abbate |
| Young Achiever (up to age 13) | Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars | Lucy Backhurst |
| Young Achiever (14 to 21) | Bedford Heights | Urban Judge |
| Youth Voice | Bedford Giving | Sporting Aid – The Next Generation Podcast |
| Inclusion Champion | BILTT | New Category / N/A |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Individual) | Woodfines Solicitors | Frankie Pickup |
| Fundraiser of the Year (Team) | White Hart Press | Bedford Christmas Tree Festival |
| Unsung Hero | Brewpoint | Shapna Khanam |
| Young Carer of the Year | HEART Academies Trust | Charlie Lloyd |
Do you know someone in Bedford Borough who deserves recognition for their selfless work? Nominating them is simple. You can submit your nomination using the form below or by visiting the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards page.
- Eligibility: Nominations must be for work carried out or achievements made between 1 January 2025 and 31 December 2025.
- Deadline: Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
