Cornwall’s Heroes Awards 2026: who won at Tregenna Castle, St Ives

Charlie’s Star went home with three awards. One of them was the biggest of the night.

The charity was named Winner of Winners at the 2026 Cornwall’s Heroes Awards, hosted by Cornwall’s Rewind Radio last Friday (30 October) at Tregenna Castle in St Ives. It also took the Health & Wellbeing Hero and Team Spirit awards, in a room full of stories of courage, kindness and the people who keep Cornwall’s communities going.

A night of music and stories

The annual awards recognise individuals, charities and community groups making a difference across Cornwall. This year’s categories ranged from Volunteer of the Year and Child of Courage to Fundraising Hero, Sports Personality and Lifetime Achievement.

Rock Choir Cornwall welcomed guests as they took their seats. Over a three-course meal, Laura Kate entertained the room with a powerful vocal and guitar set.

Cornwall’s Rewind Radio daytime presenter Jack Murley compered the ceremony. He introduced each category and brought sponsors and presenters up to the stage through the evening. One of the highlights came when Nan Woods, star of the Big Drive Home quiz “Nan That Tune”, took to the stage to present one of the awards.

A 3,000-mile row for MND

Guests also heard from Claire Sharp, better known as the ‘C’oar’nish Maid’. In December she sets off from La Gomera to row solo 3,000 miles across the Atlantic to Antigua, in memory of her friend Dean and in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Claire spoke about the challenge before an emotional video about her journey and motivation was shown. A live auction before the interval then raised money for her row, with guests bidding on experiences, hospitality packages and one-off items.

Over £3,000 raised on the night

Between the auction and the raffle, guests raised £2,598.92 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association. A further £442.39 went to Charlie’s Star, the charity that would go on to collect the evening’s top honour.

Winner of Winners

Charlie’s Star provides fully funded respite breaks for bereaved families across the South West who have lost a child under the age of 19.

It was recognised for its commitment to supporting families facing unimaginable loss, and for the lasting difference it has made to so many of them. In a field of strong winners, the charity was singled out for the evening’s highest honour.

Live music collective Love DeluxX closed the night with a high-energy set.

The 2026 Cornwall’s Rewind Radio Heroes Awards winners

• Animal Welfare Champion: Michelle Robinson-Clements
• Carers Award: Aimee-Leigh Jones
• Child of Courage: Elliot Wills
• Community Champion: Fin Irwin
• Courage Award: Harvey Allen
• Environmental & Sustainability Advocate: The Grower
• Fundraising Hero: Ben Jordan
• Health & Wellbeing Hero: Charlie’s Star Charity
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Barrie Burns
• Local Business Leader: Tye Reeves
• Rising Star: Joseph Adams
• Sports Personality: Lee Baker
• Team Spirit Award: Charlie’s Star Charity
• Unsung Hero: Andy Rance
• Volunteer of the Year: Tony Hendra
• Young Sports Personality: Archie Williams
• Winner of Winners: Charlie’s Star Charity

Who made it happen

Duchy Hospital was the principal sponsor. Category sponsors were White Admin Company, Anson Care Services, Redruth MOT Centre, Kernow Accountancy, GW & Co Accountants, Cormac, Lavis Electrical, Passmore Cleaning, Duchy Hospital, Focus Technology Europe Ltd, Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, Starlight Tyre Garage, Cornish Metals, Aqua Rod South West, Bayly Builders and Cornish Dairy Co.

Richard Woods, managing director of Cornwall’s Rewind Radio, said: “The Cornwall’s Heroes Awards is one of the most important nights in our calendar because it shines a spotlight on the incredible people who make Cornwall such a special place to live.

“Every nominee had a remarkable story to tell, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements. We’re also incredibly grateful for the generosity shown by our guests, whose fundraising efforts will make a real difference to both Charlie’s Star Charity and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.”

📷Charlie's Star Charity with the Winner of Winners award at the Cornwall's Heroes Awards. Credit: Joanne Westlake Photography