The Heath, Runcorn was filled with celebration, inspiration and community pride as volunteers, community organisations and partners came together for the Halton and St Helens VCA Volunteer Awards 2026 – a special evening recognising the remarkable people who make a difference across both boroughs every day.
Hosted by Matthew Roberts, the annual awards celebrated the extraordinary contribution of volunteers whose kindness, dedication and commitment strengthen communities across Halton and St Helens.
The evening opened with welcome addresses from Sally Yeoman MBE, Chief Executive of Halton and St Helens VCA, Cllr Graham Morgan, Deputy Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and The Worshipful Mayor of Halton, Councillor Pamela Wallace, who all praised the vital role volunteers play in creating stronger, healthier and more connected communities.
The event also formed part of Culture 26, Halton's year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture, celebrating the creativity, heritage and community spirit that make the borough such a special place.
Celebrating Outstanding Volunteers
This year's awards recognised volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from those quietly supporting neighbours to individuals whose work has transformed lives across the region.
2026 Award Winners
- Biggest Heart Award: Karen Jordan
- Personal Achievement Award: Violet Rose Waring
- Outstanding Contribution Award: Aidan Jackson
- Volunteer Team Award: Friends of Victoria Park
- Halton Culture Champion Award: Stephen Holloran
- Jean Mulford Special Achievement Award: Mal Hampson
- Robin Pilkington Special Achievement Award: Pam Meredith
Special recognition was also given to the evening's Highly Commended recipients, whose outstanding contributions were celebrated alongside the winners.
A Night of Inspiration
Throughout the evening, guests heard moving stories of volunteers overcoming personal challenges, saving lives through community fundraising, supporting vulnerable residents, creating inclusive opportunities for young people, championing culture and dedicating decades of service to others.
Speaking during the evening, Sally Yeoman MBE, Chief Executive of Halton and St Helens VCA, thanked every volunteer, nominee and supporter.
"These awards are about recognising the people who give so much of themselves to others. Every act of kindness matters, every hour volunteered matters, and every person recognised tonight represents the incredible strength of our communities."
Thank You
Halton and St Helens VCA extended its sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the evening possible.
The Volunteer Awards remain one of the highlights of Halton and St Helens VCA's calendar, showcasing the incredible impact of the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector across both boroughs.
As Chair Annmarie Houghton reflected in her closing remarks, the evening served as a powerful reminder that thriving communities are built by people who choose to give their time, skills and compassion to others.
Congratulations to every winner, every nominee and every volunteer. Your contribution matters, your time matters, and together you continue to make Halton and St Helens stronger, kinder and more connected places to live.