The spirit of Bedford Borough was celebrated once again on Friday evening as the Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards returned for a sixth year at the Quarry Theatre.
Hundreds of guests, looked after by hosts Bedford School, gathered to honour the individuals, groups and organisations helping make Bedford Borough a kinder, stronger and more connected place to live.
Among the winners on the night were Bedford Summer Sessions, recognised for helping raise the profile of Bedford Borough, Jane Vallance for her record-breaking work with the Bedford and Kempston Poppy Appeal, and Rainbow Bedfordshire, which took home the new Inclusion Champion Award.
Young people also shone brightly throughout the evening, with Rahul Bandha, Rose Craddock and Zerkyh Joseph all recognised for the remarkable difference they are making in their communities at such a young age.
Compered by Bedford Independent editor Paul Hutchinson and Lucy Bardner from awards partner The Harpur Trust, the evening recognised volunteers, fundraisers, educators, young carers, youth leaders, inclusion champions and community organisations whose efforts often happen quietly behind the scenes.
“Ordinary people doing extraordinary things”
Opening the ceremony, Paul told guests the awards were about celebrating “the ordinary people who go the extra mile and, in doing so, achieve something extraordinary”.
“You are all part of what makes Bedford Borough special,” he said.
“These awards are proof of that. They are a chance to celebrate Bedford’s brilliance, to raise up the people who so often work quietly in the background, and to show the wider world what this borough is really about.”
He also reflected on the role of local journalism in celebrating community success alongside holding power to account.
“As responsible publishers, we know it can be easy to focus only on what is going wrong,” he said.
“But that has never been who we are. We believe local journalism should also shine a light on what is good, generous and inspiring about the place we live.”
Bedford Clanger anniversary
The evening also marked a milestone for the Bedford Clanger, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.
Guests joined in wishing the publication a happy birthday as flowers and a gift were presented to founder and editor Erica Roffe in recognition of her work championing Bedford’s arts, culture and community scene.
Erica was praised for creating a publication that has spent 15 years “shining a light on the creatives, the disruptors, the doers, the movers and shakers who, previously, received little or no recognition for the things they do for our Borough”.
Special thanks were also given to Progress Publishing’s Commercial Director, Julia Course, whose hard work behind the scenes played a huge part in making this year’s awards possible.
Sadly, Julia was unable to attend the evening herself, but her organisation, support and commitment to the event were very much recognised and appreciated throughout the night.
Harpur Trust support
The Harpur Trust once again partnered with the awards.
Chief executive David Steadman said the event highlighted “ordinary people doing extraordinary things, often quietly, and always with heart”.
“At a time when the world can feel uncertain, tonight reminds us of what makes Bedford special,” he said.
“These awards shine a light on people who improve lives in Bedford every single day. You are all incredible, and we are immensely proud to help support you.”
Charity partner BRASS
This year’s charity partner was BRASS, Bedford Refugee and Asylum Seeker Support.
During the evening, Morris Johns from the charity spoke passionately about the charity’s work supporting refugees and asylum seekers across Bedfordshire, telling guests that compassion and acceptance should be seen as strengths, not weaknesses, and that communities are stronger when people come together with heart.
The room fell silent as he spoke about the importance of kindness, dignity and practical support for people rebuilding their lives in difficult circumstances.
Read: Everyday Heroes 2025 nominations extended as BRASS named charity partner
“A brilliant evening”
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, attended the ceremony and praised the awards afterwards.
“It was my absolute pleasure to attend the 2025 Everyday Heroes awards last night. So many brilliant individuals, groups and organisations were recognised for doing incredible things to help other people and make a difference in our community.
“Thank you so much to Bedford Independent and the Harpur Trust for ensuring that it is possible to say thank you to those nominated and the winners for all that they do and the difference they make. It was a brilliant evening full of joy and emotion.”
The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes in full
Volunteer of the Year
Sponsored by The Harpur Trust
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Khadija Amir (Shabnaz) | For more than 15 years, Shabnaz has quietly worked to create opportunities, support local people and strengthen community life, making a lasting difference without ever seeking the spotlight. |
| Lauren Burnett | From attending Kempston Youth Club to now volunteering there herself, Lauren has become a role model for younger people, showing just how powerful it can be when someone gives back to the same community that supported them. |
| Paddy Harnan | When Bedford Junior Blues Under-15s was close to folding, Paddy stepped up to manage the side, helping keep the team together and giving young players the chance to keep playing and developing. |
| Rachel Hegarty | Through her volunteering with Sue Ryder, her work supporting mental health causes and the positive energy of Bedford Dopamine Diary, Rachel has become a tireless champion for kindness, community and showing up for others. |
Winner: Anonymous
Highly commended
- Paddy Harnan
Raising the Profile of Bedford Borough
Sponsored by The Quarry Theatre
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Bedfringe | Now in its 18th year, Bedfringe continues to bring together dozens of performances, artists and audiences, giving Bedford a nationally recognised fringe festival that celebrates creativity, openness and local cultural life. |
| Bedford Summer Sessions | For more than 25 years, Bedford Summer Sessions has helped show that Bedford can host major live music and cultural events with real ambition, bringing artists and audiences into the town and boosting confidence in Bedford’s creative offer. |
| Louise Harris | Louise has played a leading role in promoting Bedford Park Concerts, helping produce and shape the event’s publicity and, in doing so, showcasing one of Bedford’s flagship outdoor cultural events to a much wider audience. |
| QYouthBedford | Through visible LGBTQ+ youth work, community engagement and involvement in major public events, QYouthBedford has helped raise Bedford’s profile as a borough that values inclusion, support and representation. |
| Twinwood Festival | Twinwood Festival is a four-day celebration of music, dance, fashion and vintage culture, rooted in the site’s links to Glenn Miller and wartime heritage, and now draws visitors from across the UK and beyond to Bedfordshire every summer. |
Winner: Bedford Summer Sessions
Highly commended
- Bedfringe
- Louise Harris
Fundraiser of the Year – Individual
Sponsored by Woodfines Solicitors
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Geoff Gaylor | To celebrate his 75th birthday, Geoff jumped 13,000 feet from a plane to raise money for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, where he has also volunteered since 2019 through everything from marshalling events to treecycling campaigns. |
| Scott Haynes | Scott helped organise charity football matches that brought a community together and raised £6,525 for a child living with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome, using local sport to make a very real difference. |
| Sue Pearson | Sue completed an astonishing seven marathons in seven days across Bedfordshire, raising £5,226 for three charities in a feat of stamina, determination and commitment that most people would not attempt in a lifetime, let alone a week. |
| Jane Vallance | Janie is the driving force behind the Bedford and Kempston Poppy Appeal, turning months of planning, long days, handmade displays and even her famous Poppy motorbike into a record-breaking £77,536 raised in 2025 alone. |
| Mike Walsh | Mike, one of the Primrose Car Service’s volunteer drivers, took on two punishing cycling challenges on consecutive weekends and raised just over £4,000 to support a service that helps transport cancer patients to life-saving treatment. |
Winner: Jane Vallance
Highly commended
- Scott Haynes
- Sue Pearson
Young Achiever (up to age 13)
Sponsored by Maths Circle/Times Table Rockstars
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Rose Craddock | At just 11, Rose is already an established youth basketball coach, not only playing the game herself but helping younger children build skills, confidence and enjoyment in the sport. |
| Aston Downer | Aston combines academy football with strong academic performance and an impressive attitude off the pitch, standing out as a young person with both talent and discipline. |
| Rory Luddington | Rory’s sailing career continues to gather pace, with a growing list of results marking him out as one of Bedford’s most exciting young sporting talents. |
| Gurvir Sira | Gurvir has impressed through his sporting dedication, leadership and commitment, setting an example to other young people through both his attitude and his achievements. |
| Alfie Smith | Alfie, a young member of Bedford and District Young Farmers, has already launched his own produce stall in Turvey, showing enterprise, commitment and real pride in local food and community life. |
Winner: Rose Craddock
Highly commended
- Alfie Smith
Young Achiever (age 14 to 21)
Sponsored by Bedford Heights
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Rahul Bandha | Rahul has grown from a young member at 4YP into a paid youth worker, mentor and leader, giving four evenings a week and Saturday mornings to support young people, especially boys at risk of disengagement and anti-social behaviour. |
| Biddenham Ready2Lead PCOS Project | This Year 12 team won Bedford School’s Ready2Lead competition with a project to raise awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among young people, tackling an important issue with maturity, creativity and purpose. |
| Megan Otter | Megan has excelled academically, launched a Ready to Lead project called Happy Minds in three local primary schools, and confidently led assemblies on mental health, already standing out as a role model to younger students. |
| Roisin Scanlan | Roisin added another major title to her growing list of achievements with a five-shot victory at the Helen Holm Scottish Women’s Open at Royal Troon, finishing as the only player under par in a superb display of golfing talent. |
| Charlotte Timms | Charlotte is Head Girl, a young carer and a committed volunteer whose reading project supports vulnerable younger pupils, while her work in schools and Scouting reflects her compassion, leadership and ambition to become a teacher. |
Winner: Rahul Bandha
Highly commended
- Biddenham Ready2Lead PCOS Project
- Roisin Scanlan
Pride in Bedford Borough
Sponsored by Bedford Radio
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Arcadia Sweetshop | Bedford’s oldest shop marked 120 years in business this year, and Arcadia Sweetshop remains a cherished part of the town centre, linking generations of Bedfordians through memory, tradition and simple joy. |
| Islam Bedford | Through Eid in the Park, community iftars, souks, and other public events, Islam Bedford has brought people together on a large scale, with crowds of more than 20,000, dedicated SEND-friendly provision, and real support for local charities and small businesses. |
| Bedford Radio | Bedford Radio has become a powerful platform for local creativity, community life and civic pride, with weekly community-led shows, coverage of major events and even a nationally shortlisted VE Day programme helping put Bedford’s stories front and centre. |
| Michael Blackledge | Thanks to Michael’s vision and persistence, the world-class Philharmonia Orchestra made Bedford its first residency outside London, enriching the borough’s cultural life for decades and inspiring local young musicians along the way. |
| Original Culture Festival | Original Culture Festival brings music, dance and community spirit to Priory Park in a vibrant celebration of culture and togetherness that reflects Bedford at its most energetic, joyful and inclusive. |
Winner: Islam Bedford
Highly commended
- Arcadia Sweetshop
- Original Culture Festival
Unsung Hero
Sponsored by Brewpoint
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Carlene Bantick | In just a year, Carlene has built a 300-strong ADHD and autism support network in Bedfordshire, organising coffee mornings, peer support sessions and guest speakers to reduce isolation and help people feel understood and empowered. |
| Sarah Buckley | Sarah goes far beyond her job in supporting people experiencing homelessness, advocating for those most in need, building trust through everyday acts of care and, most recently, stepping in bravely to save a life. |
| Lucy Clark | Through Inspired Fitness, Lucy supports around 100 women with far more than exercise, creating a safe, non-judgemental space that strengthens confidence, mental wellbeing and connection, while also reaching into schools, community events and family sessions. |
| Pete Henrickson | As co-founder of Everyone’s Gang, Pete has helped build a youth organisation rooted in lived experience, creating practical support and trusted relationships for young people facing real challenges. |
| Fran Johnson | Fran has spent a lifetime serving others as a nurse, counsellor, youth worker, church volunteer and now a much-loved volunteer at 4YP, quietly bringing warmth, humour and help wherever it is needed. |
Winner: Carlene Bantick
Highly commended
- Fran Johnson
- Lucy Clark
Fundraiser of the Year – Team
Sponsored by White Hart Press
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Ismail and Ann-Marie Anilmis | Ismail and Ann-Marie organised an extraordinary 43 daredevil fundraisers at Twickenham Stadium, raising around £20,000 for Bedford Hospital Charity & Friends, Bedford Blues Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House, and showing remarkable energy and commitment to the cause. |
| Bedford School Mo Bros | Bedford School’s Mo Bros delivered a record-breaking Movember campaign, raising more than £24,500 through a packed programme of events, challenges and awareness work led by staff and pupils together. |
| Bedford Who Charity Con | Run by a passionate team of local Doctor Who fans, Bedford Who Charity Con has raised more than £76,000 for local charities over 11 years while building a much-loved event with a loyal following. |
| Little Staughton Christmas Card Fundraiser | What began as a festive village effort saw 60 households come together to raise over £1,000 for The Robin Cancer Trust, proving how a small community can have a big impact. |
| Putnoe Scout Group | Young people from Putnoe Scout Group raised just under £4,500 for charity through a sleepout and challenge events, while also learning first-hand the value of giving time and effort to help others. |
| St Paul’s Church, Clock Tower and Bells Restoration | The team behind St Paul’s restoration appeal has helped raise around £400,000 towards restoring the church’s historic clock tower and bells, including over £110,000 from one sponsorship event alone, protecting a treasured part of Bedford’s heritage. |
Winner: Bedford School Mo Bros
Highly commended
- Little Staughton Christmas Card Fundraiser
- Putnoe Scout Group
Excellence in Education
Sponsored by Bedford School
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Agnieszka Derleta | Through the Polish Language and Culture Academy and her wider teaching, Agnieszka has helped young people become confident bilingual learners, embrace their heritage and experience language learning in innovative, inspiring and deeply meaningful ways. |
| Hannah McDonagh | As an HLTA, Hannah creates a safe, caring and nurturing environment for children with a wide range of needs, going above and beyond each day to make sure every child feels seen, valued and able to thrive. |
| Philippa McDonald | Through Creative Days Bedford, Philippa has opened up opportunities for children and families to access creativity, performance and self-expression, bringing compassion, energy and imagination to learning beyond the classroom. |
| Shona McFadyen | Shona’s impact has been recognised nationally through the 2025 Pearson National Teaching Awards, reflecting the exceptional difference she continues to make to pupils through her commitment, care and excellence in education. |
Winner: Shona McFadyen
Highly commended
- Agnieszka Derleta
- Hannah McDonagh
Youth Voice
Sponsored by Bedford Giving
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| 4YP Emotional Wellbeing Mentoring Team | This team has already supported more than 300 young people by listening without judgement, helping them manage emotional challenges and making sure their voices, worries and needs are properly heard. |
| Everyone’s Gang | Guided by its mission to turn struggles into strengths, Everyone’s Gang creates safe spaces, trusted relationships and life-changing support for local children and young people who need to know someone is in their corner. |
| Matilda Cook | Alongside studying four A-levels, including one independently, Matilda gives her time to community projects and events and continues to speak up powerfully and confidently on behalf of young people. |
Winner: Everyone’s Gang
Highly commended
- Matilda Cook
Inclusion Champion
Sponsored by Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Bedfordshire Games | Now in its 36th year, the Bedfordshire Games gives people with learning disabilities from across the county the chance to take part in sport at Bedford International Athletics Stadium, celebrating inclusion on a major stage. |
| Elise Gray, Inclusive Performing Arts Festival | Elise helped bring Bedford’s first Inclusive Performing Arts Festival to life during Bedfringe, creating a platform for performers with physical and learning disabilities and drawing hundreds of visitors as well as ITV coverage. |
| Gig Buddies | Gig Buddies Bedford matches adults with learning disabilities and autistic people with volunteers who share their interests, helping build friendship, confidence and a fuller social life through gigs, nights out and shared experiences. |
| Rainbow Bedfordshire | Rainbow Bedfordshire has gone from strength to strength, working with businesses, councils and partners to improve inclusion, while also delivering accessible events with BSL interpreters, wellbeing spaces, free tickets and genuine thought for different needs. |
Winner: Rainbow Bedfordshire
Highly commended
- Elise Gray, Inclusive Performing Arts Festival
- Gig Buddies
Young Carer
Sponsored by Heart Academies Trust
| Finalist | Why they were nominated |
|---|---|
| Chinaza Agubata | Alongside working hard at school, Chinaza helps care for her brother with ASD, mentors younger young carers and chairs her school’s young carers council, making her both a caring sibling and a role model for others. |
| James Atkins | James supports his younger brother through major health challenges, including hospital appointments and surgery, while also managing his own anxiety and speaking up for other young carers through his role as a school councillor. |
| Zerkyh Joseph | Zerkyh has given up much of a normal teenage life to become a primary carer for his disabled younger brother and to support his mum through severe ill health, domestic abuse and his own personal trauma, showing extraordinary love, sacrifice and strength. |
| Mason Likolaj | A Year 9 pupil at Bedford Academy, Mason helps care for his mum through serious ill health, supports his younger sister, helps with cooking, cleaning, medication and appointments, and still brings warmth and maturity far beyond his years. |
| Oliwier Stojek | While preparing for his GCSEs and dreaming of a future in architecture, Oliwier helps support his mum through a condition that can change suddenly, often after unsettled nights, yet still arrives at school positive, hardworking and respected by staff and friends alike. |
Winner: Zerkyh Joseph
Highly commended
- Chinaza Agubata
- James Atkins
- Mason Likolaj
- Oliwier Stojek
