Who is the young person in your life who keeps surprising you? The Bedford Independent Everyday Heroes Awards 2025 are now accepting nominations to celebrate people of all ages who go the extra mile across Bedford Borough, in partnership with The Harpur Trust.
The Young Achiever (up to age 13) category, sponsored by Maths Circle/Times Tables Rock Stars, is looking for under-13s who have achieved beyond expectations.
The award is for young people aged 13 or under who have achieved beyond expectations, whether through sport, charity work, volunteering, or making a positive impact in their community.
Their dedication, leadership, and commitment set them apart, and this is an opportunity to celebrate their hard work.
It sits alongside the Young Achiever Award (14 to 21 years old), sponsored by Bedford Heights.
Nominate a Bedford Independent Everyday here
Bruno Reddy, founder of Maths Circle, said the category is a chance to recognise young people who are already making a difference.
“At Maths Circle, we are passionate about supporting and celebrating the next generation. Sponsoring the Young Achiever (age up to 13) Award allows us to recognise the incredible efforts of young people in Bedford who are already showing leadership, compassion, and community spirit,” he said.
Last year’s winner was Lucy Backhurst, who won the national Benjamin Zephaniah Future Writers’ competition and achieved four golds and two silvers at the 2024 Bedfordshire Speech and Drama Festival.
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.
